Woman, 26, dies after catching superbug in hospital following fall in shower

13 October 2023 , 07:20

970     0

Venera Sapurina was struck down by superbug VRE during her time in hospital (Image: Social media/east2west newss)

A young healthy woman who spent four months in hospital after contracting an antibiotic-resistant superbug has died.

Venera Sapurina collapsed in the shower while on a trip to South Korea and was rushed to hospital after wounding her head. Paramedics found the 26-year-old unconscious and during her time at hospital she was struck down by superbug VRE.

Venera suffered an attack to her nervous system, a cardiac arrest and fell into a coma, according to reports. Her devastated mother, Marina, confirmed that her daughter died after battling the superbug for four months. The 50-year-old said: “Thanks to all the people, friends and family who supported me in difficult times. It’s very difficult for me to write these lines.

“For four months I fought, I lived for her life in hope. But today her heart stopped. May you rest in peace, sleep peacefully, my dear, dear daughter.”

Deadly superbug VRE is resistant to antibiotics and considered a serious threat to modern healthcare. It can infect the bloodstream, the urinary tract, and wounds associated with surgery.

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

The 26-year-old died in hospital in South Korea (Social media/east2west newss)

Marina has been left devastated by her daughter Venera's death (Social media/east2west newss)

Usually found in hospital settings, it is not spread through the air like a cold or the flu, nor by casual contact such as hugging. Infection spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids or touching surfaces contaminated by the bacteria.

Venus suffered a “very strong blow” falling in her shower, Korean authorities said. Venera - or Venus - is from Tatarstan in Russia and was not covered by medical insurance. Airlines reportedly refused to fly her home because she had contracted the superbug.

Her devastated mother had to sell her daughter’s flat just so she could pay spiralling medical bills. Marina revealed she had spoken to Venera the day before she collapsed, and she seemed well.

"We spoke on a video call,” she said. “The following day she was admitted to the hospital. The hospital authorities said that she was delivered unconscious.”

Will Stewart