Man Dies From 'Silent Killer' Infection, Days After Scratching Himself On Nail

A man who accidentally scratched himself on a nail tragically died from sepsis just five days after the accident.

Dad-of-two Ben Yelland began feeling ill two days after he nicked himself on the metal nail in May.

The 38-year-old was rushed to hospital near his home in Watford but died three days later. Ben's devastated family said in a statement: "Ben was a soft and gentle man, he was a much loved partner and best friend to Alison, daddy to Amie, nine, and Freya, six, a much loved son and brother who will be so missed by all his family and friends."

Sepsis is a rare infection - without quick treatment it can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Experts have warned of the dangers of the illness, which has been dubbed a 'silent killer'.

Dr Ron Daniels, chief executive of the UK Sepsis Trust, told the Mirror: "Stories like Ben's remind us of the devastating human cost of sepsis.

"Every day in the UK, individuals and families have their lives torn apart by the condition, but better awareness could save thousands of lives each year.

"Whenever there are signs of infection, it's crucial that members of the public seek medical attention urgently.

"With every hour that passes before the right antibiotics are administered, risk of death increases."

Symptoms of sepsis include feeling extremely tired, having mottled, blushed or pale skin, and a high temperature.

People may also experience fast breathing, dizziness, diarrhoea, vomiting and severe muscle pain.

Ben's family are now raising money to fund research to prevent the infection, which kills 44,000 people in Britain every year.

They added: "If anything good can possibly come from this it would be to raise awareness of this little-known infection."

The UK Sepsis Trust raises awareness of the infection, focusing its efforts on 'the vital need to improve Sepsis care, and aid in prompt diagnosis'.

Dr Daniels said: "It's the extraordinary efforts of supporters like the Yelland family that allow us to continue the fight against sepsis.

"We're nothing without our volunteers, and we'd like to say a huge thank you from everyone at the UK Sepsis Trust.

"Together we can change the way sepsis is handled in the UK."

You can donate to the UK Sepsis Trust here.

Featured Image Credit: SWNS

Topics: Death

James Dawson

James Dawson is a Journalist at LADbible. He has contributed articles to LADbible’s ‘Knowing Me, Knowing EU’ series on the EU referendum, the 'Electoral Dysfunction' series on the 2017 general election, the ‘U OK M8?’ series tackling mental health amongst young men, and for its ‘Climate Change’ initiative in partnership with National Geographic.

@thejaytoday