Sepsis: Woman says unusual smell after antibiotics was warning sign of life‑threatening infection

Ivy Melanson, a 34‑year‑old resident of London, reported an unusual, foul odor after a two‑week course of antibiotics for a urinary tract infection. She dismissed the smell as a side effect, but within 48 hours she developed high fever, rapid heart rate and confusion. An ambulance was called on 7 January 2026, and she was taken to St. Bartholomew’s Hospital where doctors diagnosed septic shock. The infection had spread from her urinary tract to the bloodstream, threatening organ failure. Melanson survived after aggressive fluid resuscitation, antibiotics and vasopressor support. A healthcare professional warned that ignoring such symptoms can be fatal, urging people to seek medical help promptly.