He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with acute liver failure, a rare but life-threatening condition that occurs when the liver loses its ability to function in a matter of days or even hours.
Lab tests later revealed that the likely cause of his liver failure was a bacterial infection caused by Campylobacter or Salmonella—common bacteria found in raw or undercooked poultry. In some rare cases, these bacteria can trigger a chain reaction in the body, leading to liver inflammation, systemic infection, and eventually liver failure.
Doctors found that while such extreme cases are unpopular, the danger is real—and preventable. Improper handling, storing, or cooking of chicken is a major reason of foodborne illness around the world. In this tragic case, the chicken may have appeared well-cooked on the outside but was likely undercooked inside, allowing dangerous bacteria to survive and enter the bl00dstream.
