A mother from Wigan claims her son developed a life-threatening flesh-eating disease after being bitten by a flea from a rat infestation that has plagued her home for four years. Angela Barnes said she has repeatedly complained to the council about the vermin, which she attributes to her neighbours' overflowing rubbish.
Her son Martin was bitten while emptying the bins and later developed a fever and vomiting. He was rushed to hospital where doctors diagnosed necrotising fasciitis and warned his leg might need amputation. He underwent emergency surgery to remove necrotic tissue and later required further operations for sepsis.
Angela said the family is also dealing with mould inside their home, as they cannot open windows for fear of rats entering. She described hearing rats screaming at night and seeing them on the roof of the shed and outside her kitchen window.
The mother, who has anxiety and breathing difficulties, said the council has not resolved the issue despite years of complaints. She called the situation a 'home from hell' and expressed fear for her son's ongoing health, noting he has since had to return to hospital due to leg swelling.
