STT. 3 A.M. Emergency Update: Hunter Spikes High Fever, Doctors Fear Deep Infection and Consider Fifth Surgery
URGENT UPDATE, EARLY MORNING OF FEBRUARY 18, 2026: HUNTER SUDDENLY DEVELOPS A DANGEROUSLY HIGH FEVER; DOCTORS CONSIDERING A FIFTH SURGERY DUE TO SUSPECTED SEVERE SUBMUSCULAR INFECTION.
In the early morning of February 18, 2026, Hunter’s health unexpectedly took a worrying turn after several hours of being considered relatively stable.
Around 3 a.m., the boy suddenly developed a dangerously high fever, forcing the medical team to immediately activate emergency procedures in the isolation ward.

This development occurred just hours after doctors had expressed cautious optimism about the progress of the fasciotomy incisions Hunter had undergone earlier.
According to hospital sources, examination of the incisions that afternoon showed no clear signs of deterioration.
The surgical incisions were assessed as morphologically stable, with no evidence of widespread necrosis in the surface tissue.
The Hunter family then experienced a brief period of relief after many days of prolonged tension.
According to his relatives, Hunter was even able to walk a short distance with assistance, which they considered a rare positive sign.

However, just a few hours after nightfall, that optimistic picture changed abruptly.
Hunter’s body temperature rose rapidly to an alarming level.
The monitoring devices continuously send out alert signals when vital signs fluctuate.
The night shift team immediately gathered in the patient’s room to assess the situation.
Hunter was transferred back to a strict isolation area to minimize any risk of cross-infection and to facilitate in-depth monitoring.
According to the treating physicians, a sudden high fever in the context of a patient who has undergone multiple surgeries is a serious sign that should not be taken lightly.
Although no obvious abnormalities have been observed on the surgical site, the possibility of a deep infection forming beneath the muscle layer is being considered with a high degree of seriousness.
Deep tissue infection is a complication that can develop silently and be difficult to detect through external observation alone.
Bacteria can survive in muscle cavities, areas not easily identified during routine examinations.

If left unchecked, the infection can spread, causing muscle necrosis and leading to life-threatening systemic complications.
The medical team took blood samples for microbiological testing and to check for inflammatory markers.
Imaging studies were also performed to assess the deep tissue structure and detect any signs of fluid accumulation or damage beneath the surgical surface.
According to a specialist involved in the treatment, cases like Hunter’s, who have undergone multiple fasciotomy procedures, always carry a high risk of secondary infection.
Fasciotomy is a procedure used to relieve pressure in a muscle compartment, often aimed at saving a patient’s life in emergency situations such as compartment syndrome.

However, each time the muscles are opened, it means creating another entry point for bacteria.
Having to undergo multiple surgeries in quick succession significantly weakens the patient’s immune system.
According to information from the hospital, Hunter had undergone four previous surgeries during his treatment.
The boy’s body is currently in a weakened state due to the constant recovery from surgical interventions.
Therefore, any infectious complication can place a significant strain on the body’s ability to withstand it.
Medical sources indicate that the possibility of a fifth surgery is being urgently considered.
The final decision will depend on the results of blood tests and imaging studies in the coming hours.
If a deep infection is identified, doctors may be forced to reopen the surgical site to clean out necrotic tissue and control the source of infection.

An additional surgery in the current context is considered to carry significant risks.
Each time anesthesia is administered, it puts additional strain on the patient’s heart and lungs.
The recovery time after surgery may be longer due to the patient’s weakened physical condition.
However, if left untreated, a widespread infection can have far more serious consequences.
Hunter’s family is currently staying by his side in quarantine.
The father shared that Hunter’s physical condition deteriorated noticeably within just a few hours.
“In the afternoon, she still tried to smile, but by nightfall, she had almost no strength left,” he said.
According to the medical team, the next 24 hours will be crucial in determining the next course of action.
If inflammatory markers can be controlled with broad-spectrum antibiotics and aggressive supportive therapy, Hunter may be able to avoid surgery once more.

Conversely, if tests confirm the infection has spread deep into the muscle tissue, surgery is almost always the only option.
Currently, Hunter is being continuously monitored using a sophisticated surveillance system.
Doctors and nurses are on duty 24/7 to ensure that any minor changes are detected promptly.
The hospital stated that it could not provide a specific prognosis until all test results were available.
Experts emphasize that deep tissue infections are a complex complication and require prompt treatment.
Time plays a crucial role in such situations.
Delays can make the situation more difficult to control.
Hunter’s family has appealed for moral support from the community during this particularly sensitive time.
They said they would continue to provide updates once they receive official information from the treatment team.

Meanwhile, the hospital affirmed that all necessary professional resources are being mobilized to ensure Hunter receives optimal care.
Although the fever at 3 a.m. raised many concerns, doctors believe the battle is not yet over.
“Every hour counts in controlling the infection,” said a member of the treatment team.
“We are doing everything we can to keep the situation from getting out of control.”
As of now, Hunter is still under close observation in isolation.

The crucial test results are expected in the next few hours.
A decision on whether or not to proceed with the fifth surgery will be made once the expert panel completes its evaluation.
The family and the medical team all understand that this is a pivotal moment.
Hope wavered during the night, but it wasn’t completely extinguished.