Quebec woman loses hands and legs after rare infection led to septic shock

A Montreal woman is speaking publicly after a rare bacterial infection led to septic shock and the loss of both hands and both legs. Cameilla Ramdass, 43, says her illness began in January after she sought care for severe back pain following the flu. Ramdass, who has lupus and is immunocompromised, said she worried the pain could signal a problem with her liver or kidneys. Her family says her condition worsened quickly, with her blood pressure dropping by the next morning and her being taken first to LaSalle Hospital and later to Montreal General Hospital. Doctors later identified Capnocytophaga, a rare bacterium often found in the saliva of dogs and cats, as the cause of the infection. The case has drawn attention to how sepsis is recognized and treated, with experts saying early detection remains a major challenge. Ramdass is now in rehabilitation and adjusting to life after multiple amputations, while her family hopes the story will raise awareness of sepsis warning signs.