Scrapes and bruises are expected in children who are just getting used to walking. Their zeal for exploration and high activity level make it easy for them to take a harmless tumble. However, for one 3-year-old boy from Arizona, a fall from his bike led to a rare staph infection. (1)

Staph Infection From Scrape

For little Beauden Baumkirschner, a simple scrape suffered from a fall from his bike led to an infection and the need to amputate both his legs. The family was enjoying a camping trip in San Diego when Beauden fell from his bike, scraping his right knee. “He’s done that many, many times as any three-year-old boy will do,” says his father Brian. (1,2)

Unfortunately, he developed an MRSA staph infection. “He fell down, scratched his knee. Then, we put an antibacterial spray on it with a Band-Aid, and off we went,” says Brian. (1)

Staph Infection Started With Fever

They continued their bike ride for a few more hours and Beauden remained active and seemed unaffected by his tumble. However, by the evening he complained of feeling unwell. The next morning he woke up with a fever. (1)

That day, Beauden continued to worsen, becoming lethargic. His parents also noticed he favored his right leg. They rushed him to urgent care and then to a children’s hospital when the father noticed his knee was purple and swollen. (1)

“It started spreading up his legs, down his legs, in his arms, down to his hands,” says Brian. (1)

Staph Infection Double Leg Amputation

Following the diagnosis of a MRSA staph infection, Beauden became worse. “They kept telling us that there was swelling. All of his extremities are shutting down,” says Brian. (1)

Unfortunately, Beauden suffered complications from the infection which tends to be resistant to antibiotics. “The ICU doctor said that his labs, when he came in, were of concern, for sure. But the lab work at 1 p.m., just three hours later, his whole body was shutting down,” says Brian. “They thought they were going to lose him, for sure, that night.” He had toxic shock syndrome causing his body to shut down, including the beginning of kidney failure and sepsis. (1,2)

“Every parent’s worst nightmare, you can’t do anything. You’re helpless,” says Brian. (1)

Tried To Save Legs

The doctors first performed several leg surgeries to help relieve the pressure. However, the doctors determined amputation was required below the knee. The progression of the infection was alarming, leaving Brian shaken, but optimistic Beauden wouldn’t lose his arms and hands.  (1)

“We’re still so numb. It’s just heartbreaking,” says Brian. (1)

Staph Infection Source Uncertain

Doctors couldn’t pinpoint exactly when or where Beauden contracted the staph bacteria. According to Beauden’s doctors, although they have seen serious staph infections, they are rare with just a few cases each year. (1)

According to the Centers for Disease Control, MRSA is most commonly spread either by contact with others with the infection or objects carrying the bacteria. About 5% of hospital patients in U.S. hospitals carry MRSA either in their nose or on their skin. (3)

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $20,000 so far to help cover the costs of Beauden’s medical bills. (1)