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Boy with ‘elephant’ legs fighting for his life

Boy with elephant legs
Popular culture
16 May, 2012

Doctors in Peta, Uganda, are appealing for help to save the life of a boy suffering from a rare condition which caused his legs to swell up and resemble those of an elephant.

Vincent Oketch is fighting for his life after developing a flesh-eating infection, which could prove fatal if it remains untreated.




The Mirror reports that ten-year-old Vincent is believed to have been born with a lymphatic problem, causing the swelling to grow over time. Oketch may have to have his legs amputated as doctors don’t know how to treat the illness.

Ugandan Doctor Isaac Osire has now launched an appeal to help the boy, who he thinks may have contracted the serious fasciitis infection.

He is asking British experts to help with a diagnosis, and possible medical treatment to save the boy’s life, and prevent the need for amputation.

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