Melissa Gilbert Hospitalized After Bug Bite Turns Serious

Former star of the classic series “Little House on the Prairie,” Melissa Gilbert, has shared her harrowing hospital experience following a seemingly minor bug bite. The 59-year-old actress is urging her fans to take insect bites more seriously and not delay seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Melissa narrated her ordeal on Instagram, posting two pictures from her recent emergency room visit. She aimed to raise awareness about the potential severity of bug bites that may initially appear trivial.

From A Simple Bug Bite to ER

Beginning her account with a tone of wry humor, Gilbert described her ER visit as an eventful night. She explained how a bite from a flying insect, not a bee or wasp, had occurred two days prior. By the following night, she noticed alarming symptoms – her arm was unusually swollen, hot, and had turned red.

Upon consulting her doctor, she was advised to seek immediate medical attention. Gilbert credits her husband, Tim Busfield’s insistence, for making the urgent decision to visit the ER. After a series of tests, she was diagnosed with cellulitis and an abscess.

As per the U.S. National Library of Medicine, an abscess is a pus-filled pocket that can develop virtually anywhere in the body. Meanwhile, cellulitis, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, is a potentially life-threatening skin infection that occurs when bacteria penetrate a wound and invade deeper skin layers.

Quick Treatment and Recovery

At the hospital, Gilbert was administered an IV containing acetaminophen, Benadryl, and clindamycin. The treatment seemed to show immediate results, but it left her unable to sleep throughout the night. The actress continues her recovery with oral antibiotics, Benadryl, and ibuprofen.
Emphasizing the importance of prompt medical attention for insect bites, Gilbert warned her followers not to dismiss a bite as insignificant, especially if there’s severe swelling. She drove home her point by stating that during Laura Ingalls Wilder’s time, such a condition could have led to dire consequences like death or amputation.

With a dose of humor, she ended her tale by thanking Bonsecours Hospital in Port Jervis, New York, and vowing to rest and take her medication like a “good bunny,” blaming the “stupid bug bite” for her plight.

Fans and Fellow Celebrities Respond

Gilbert’s post received an outpouring of well wishes from her fans and celebrity friends. Donna Murphy, an actress, thanked Gilbert for sharing her experience despite the discomfort and praised her husband for his swift action. Actor Michael Beach expressed his astonishment at the significant impact of a random bug bite.

This ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the potential severity of bug bites, urging everyone to promptly seek medical advice if symptoms escalate. It’s a timely warning, particularly as we venture outdoors more during the warmer months.