A Mandurah grandfather has issued a stark public health warning after a near-death experience with a rare and dangerous bacterial infection contracted from local waterways.
A Day on the Water Turns to Crisis
Kevin Walker, 82, was enjoying a day of crabbing near the Novara boat ramp in Falcon on December 9. The outing took a drastic turn when the boat he was in broke down. Forced to enter the water to drag the vessel back to shore, Mr Walker was unaware a small cut on his leg was about to become a gateway for a life-threatening invader.
After making it back to land, he collapsed. Despite feeling increasingly unwell, he initially went home. His condition deteriorated so severely that by 3am he presented to Peel Health Campus. Doctors swabbed the cut, but Mr Walker left, wanting to care for his pets. Following urgent advice from his GP, he was formally admitted to hospital on the Wednesday.
Rare Infection Causes Systemic Collapse
By the time he was hospitalised, the situation was critical. Mr Walker’s leg had doubled in size, described as looking like "elephantitis" and oozing plasma. Swab results revealed the culprit: Shewanella algae, a bacterium naturally found in estuarine environments, had entered his bloodstream through the cut.
The infection spread rapidly, travelling towards his brain. On Tuesday, his kidneys shut down, with doctors assessing the extent of the damage. "It’s the worst I’ve ever felt," Mr Walker stated from his hospital bed. "I asked the doctor to put me out of this world."
He described a profound out-of-body experience, feeling he had come close to death and was given a choice to "go or stay." The previously fit and healthy octogenarian believes his age made him more vulnerable to the severe effects of the bacteria, which typically targets those with compromised immune systems.
A Warning to All Estuary Users
Mr Walker's case is exceptionally rare. One treating doctor, with 31 years of experience, had never before encountered a Shewanella infection in a patient. The infection was ultimately treated with strong antibiotics, though some cases require surgical intervention.
A spokesperson for the South Metropolitan Health Service confirmed that while there are no current warnings against using the estuary, people must exercise caution. "It is advised not to swim or crab with open cuts or wounds," they emphasised. Anyone injured in these environments should monitor for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pain and seek immediate medical attention.
The spokesperson noted that estuarine waters naturally contain various pathogens, including Shewanella, which can also be transmitted through consuming raw seafood. The Department of Water's monitoring does not typically cover this bacteria, as it focuses on phytoplankton levels.
With the crabbing season drawing thousands to Mandurah's waterways, Mr Walker hopes his horrific ordeal serves as a vital cautionary tale. "I wouldn’t wish this experience on my worst enemy," he said. "I see the world in a different light now... and if I can help somebody else and tell them this is out there, it will be worth it."
