A Sydney retail worker has shared a shocking story about how a tiny cut he sustained at work led to a nightmarish, life-threatening injury.
Yvohn Ray Rosero, an international student from the Philippines, was working at a clothing store in Burwood when the seemingly innocent accident occurred.
"I was just doing my normal opening shift, trying to organize some denim pants in front of the store with some discount signage," Rosero told 9news.com.au.
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"I bumped my left index finger on the corner of the metal sign. It bled a little and created a small wound."
Not thinking much of it, Rosero stopped the bleeding with a tissue, washed his finger, and completed his shift.
It wasn’t until the next morning that Rosero began to feel unwell.
"When I woke up, I could feel stiffness in my left index finger. After I showered, I started to feel shivery," he recounted.
Not wanting to disappoint his employer, Rosero applied a fresh bandaid and went to work.
A co-worker noticed Rosero’s ill appearance and urged him to seek medical attention immediately, leading him to the emergency department at Westmead Hospital.
"After a long wait of almost six hours, I was finally seen—by then, the infection had spread to my left elbow," Rosero said.
"My finger had already turned necrotic. I was admitted right away."
Doctors informed Rosero that his infection was spreading alarmingly fast and had turned septic.
Later that same day, he was diagnosed with Necrotising Fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating bacteria.
This rare but aggressive infection spreads rapidly and destroys tissue beneath the skin.
Rosero was admitted to the intensive care unit and has undergone six surgeries to control the infection.
While doctors were initially hopeful about saving Rosero’s index finger, it ultimately needed to be amputated.
Rosero described the experience as traumatic but expressed gratitude for the medical team that cared for him.
"I never imagined that a small, seemingly insignificant wound could alter my life forever," he said.
Rosero is now facing a month off work during his recovery, and an online fundraiser has been established to assist with his medical and living expenses.
The international student, who has resided in Australia for three years, learned to never underestimate any open wound, no matter how small.
"I keep advising my friends and family to always wash a cut or wound, no matter how minor. Always ensure that you have antiseptic cream or wipes available," he urged.
