- Singer Madonna is recovering after being hospitalized in the ICU for a serious bacterial infection.
- She was intubated after being found unresponsive on Saturday.
- She is expected to make a full recovery.
The iconic singer Madonna was hospitalized for a serious bacterial infection, the singer’s manager shared in an Instagram post on Wednesday.
The singer, 64, was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) where she was intubated after being found unresponsive on Saturday.
After spending a few days in the ICU, Madonna’s health is improving and she is expected to make a full recovery, her manager said.
The singer has been discharged and is recovering at home, CNN reported Thursday.
It’s unclear what type of bacterial infection Madonna contracted.
There are several types of bacterial infections, ranging from pneumonia and meningitis to a skin or soft-tissue infection or bloodstream infection.
“These infections can have severe implications for our health, but with awareness and preventive measures, we can significantly reduce the risk,” Dr. Norman Ng, an emergency medicine physician at Staten Island University Hospital, told Healthline.
There are a few different ways people can contract a serious bacterial infection.
The first is through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surface that contains dangerous bacteria, says Ng.
Examples include pertussis, tuberculosis, strep throat, and meningococcal disease.
Vectors, such as ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes, can also transmit bacteria to humans by biting our skin.
Bacteria, including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas, can cause infections after surgical procedures.
These bacteria can infect a person through multiple routes, including contaminated surgical instruments or spreading into a wound through the air or a contaminated caregiver.
Another common route is by consuming contaminated food and water.
For example, you can get salmonella from eating undercooked meat or
Listeria is another bacterial infection that can be picked up by consuming raw vegetables, meat, unpasteurized milk, or processed foods, like soft cheeses and deli meats, that contain the bacteria.
People most at risk for contracting a bacterial infection include people with diabetes, older adults, pregnant people, young children, and those with weakened immune systems including people with AIDS, undergoing cancer treatments, or people who have had organ transplants.
Early signs of bacterial infection include fever, gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting, a fast heart rate, and passing out.
Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security and an infectious disease expert, says these symptoms can cause people to seek medical attention at the emergency department (ED).
The location of the infection influences the symptoms people may develop.
“For example, people with bacterial pneumonia can become short of breath and visit the ED or someone with a bacterial urinary tract infection may have burning with urination and visit the ED,” says Adalja.
People with bacterial infections may get admitted to the ICU if they are unable to maintain oxygenation, blood pressure, or have serious organ damage.
In addition, in certain cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause
Sepsis has widespread effects on the body, including tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
Bacterial infections are typically treated with antibiotics, which work by killing the bacteria and preventing it from replicating, along with supportive care, says Adalja.
Healthcare providers may draw a blood culture to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection.
“The choice of antibiotic becomes more specific based on blood culture results,” says Ng.
There are a few easy steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting a bacterial infection and developing serious complications.
“Simple actions like refraining from touching your face and regular hand-washing can be vital in preventing these infections,” says Ng.
When going outdoors, wearing insect repellant, such as DEET or Picaridin sprays, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants can reduce your risk of getting sick from a bug bite, Ng added.
Proper food handling practices — such as washing your hands before eating and cooking your food thoroughly — can help you avoid ingesting pathogens.
“Proper hygiene, staying home when ill, and frequent hand-washing are crucial in preventing the spread of bacterial infections,” says Ng.
Madonna was hospitalized for a serious bacterial infection on Saturday. It’s unclear what type of illness Madonna was diagnosed with. There are several types of bacterial infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, skin and soft-tissue infections, and bloodstream infections that may require hospitalization. Serious cases are usually treated with antibiotics and supportive care.