Danish journalist survives flesh-eating bacteria infection

Danish journalist Henrik Qvortrup has survived a severe infection with flesh-eating bacteria after emergency surgery, he revealed in an interview with DR’s Genstart.

Qvortrup, 62, a longtime political commentator and former editor-in-chief of Ekstra Bladet and Se og Hør, first noticed knee pain while watching football at home. The pain rapidly worsened, and despite initial treatment, it became unbearable. When even opioids failed to ease the agony, he called the medical helpline, which dispatched an ambulance on suspicion of necrotizing fasciitis.

At Bispebjerg Hospital, doctors drained fluid from his knee, but his condition deteriorated. Just before surgery, an anesthesiologist told him he might not survive—or could lose his leg. “She looked at me as if I were completely out of my mind,” Qvortrup recalled. “Then she said: No, we can’t, because this is a very dangerous operation. You’re very sick.”

He spent 32 hours in a coma, underwent two operations, and received hyperbaric oxygen therapy. When he awoke, he was disoriented and terrified, haunted by the doctor’s warning. “I had the feeling I was a condemned man being taken to the execution chamber,” he said.

Necrotizing fasciitis is rare in Denmark, affecting around 150 people annually. About a quarter die from the infection, while another fifth require amputation.