Father bitten by spider at home develops flesh-eating wound before Egypt trip

Nigel Hunt, a 59-year-old father of three from the Isles of Scilly, experienced a severe health crisis after being bitten by a spider while lying in bed. The incident occurred just hours before his trip to Egypt, where he began to feel violently ill a few days into his holiday. Initially, he sought medical assistance for his sickness, but it was the growing wound from the spider bite that prompted further investigation. Upon visiting a hospital in Hadaba, doctors diagnosed him with necrotising fasciitis, a rare and potentially fatal infection that can arise from seemingly minor wounds. The medical team informed Mr. Hunt that the bite was likely from a false widow or a brown recluse spider, neither of which are native to the UK. He underwent surgery to remove the dead flesh from his abdomen, which was a direct consequence of the infection. Mr. Hunt expressed gratitude for seeking medical help in a timely manner, as he was informed that he could have died had he delayed treatment. Currently, he is still recovering, with the wound remaining open and requiring regular care. His activities are severely limited; he cannot engage in swimming or visit the beach due to the risk of infection. Despite the challenges, he remains thankful for his life and urges others to be cautious of spider bites, highlighting the importance of prompt medical attention. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by spider bites, particularly from species that have established themselves in the UK. NHS data indicates that there were 11 hospitalizations due to spider bites in England during the 2022-23 period, underscoring the need for awareness and vigilance regarding these creatures.