Mum-of-four dies after contracting salmonella from 'contaminated ice' while on overseas trip
A US mother-of-four has tragically died after contracting salmonella from ‘contaminated ice’ while on trip to Kenya.
Ayla Garcia, from Virginia, traveled to Kenya with her church as well as her mum Patricia, older sister Tabitha, and her aunt and uncle, to support a home set up for orphaned children, WWBT reports.
However, just days after arriving in Nairobi on 1 July Ayla was admitted to hospital where she was told she had a salmonella infection.
Her family have said they believe she picked up the infection after consuming contaminated ice during the trip.
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According to WRIC, her family initially thought Ayla would only need to spend a day or two at the hospital.
But soon discovered that the infection was more serious than they had thought as it had now entered Ayla’s bloodstream, affecting her liver and blood.
Ayla, who had sickle cell disease, received several units of blood because her haemoglobin levels were so low and also underwent dialysis treatments.
Speaking to WWBT, Ayla’s mum Patrica said: “It was surprising and very concerning that this thing had taken over so much that they had to put her in ICU.”
While in the hospital, Ayla’s family set up a GoFundMe to cover the cost of medical bills and to try and secure an emergency medical evacuation.
In a clip shared to Instagram on 19 July, Ayla showed herself lying in the hospital bed and appeared to be struggling with her breathing.
“Yes, I’m still in Kenya and I’m trying to make it home,” she said.
However, tragically, on Thursday 23 July, a little over two weeks after she was admitted to hospital, Ayla passed away.
In a heartbreaking update on the GoFundMe page, Tabitha wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that we share our beloved- daughter, sister, mother, aunt, cousin, niece, friend - Ayla, has passed.
“Her fight against sickle cell was hard fought. As a result of this, our goal has only changed slightly. Aga Kahn University Hospital requires full payment for medical services rendered for her body to be released to come home.
“Our goal remains to bring her home where we can properly lay her to rest. While we are still gathering details, your continued support is appreciated.”
In an update the following day, the family said they were in the process of having Ayla’s body flown home and planning a memorial service.
Tabitha told WRIC that the family is extremely grateful to all those who have contributed to the fundraiser.
“People really dug deep and they’re still digging deep,” she said.
“We’re grateful because everyone’s contributed. Everyone who can, how little, how much, it all helps. And it’s appreciated. Nothing’s too small. We believe in prayers, so if a prayer’s all that can be given, thank you.”
Ayla leaves behind three sons and one daughter, aged between 16 and four.
Tabitha says it has been tough watching them process their mother’s death.
“Her plan, her goal, was to come back home,” she said.
“They want to know why. ‘Why isn’t mommy here?’, or ‘Where is mommy?'”
You can contribute to the GoFundMe page here.
Claire Reid