President of the Generalitat of Catalonia Salvador Illa has spent several difficult days at Vall d’Hebron hospital in Barcelona. After four days in the hospital due to a rare infection in the pelvic area, he is finally starting to get out of bed. Doctors note positive progress: the head of government is regaining strength in his legs and is already taking his first steps around the ward. A situation that once seemed critical is gradually stabilizing, but the politician still has a long road to full recovery ahead.
A rare infection
The cause of the hospitalization was osteomyelitis—an inflammatory process affecting the bones, joints, and muscles of the pubic area. This condition is extremely rare, accounting for only 1% of all musculoskeletal infections. In Illa’s case, the pathogen was Streptococcus dysgalactiae, a bacterium that is usually harmless and lives on the skin, in the throat, and in the digestive tract. However, under certain circumstances, it can enter the bloodstream and cause serious complications if it reaches an inflamed area.
This is exactly what happened in the case of the President of Catalonia. The bacterium exploited local inflammation in the symphysis—a joint that bears considerable stress. As a result, an infection developed, accompanied by severe pain and impaired mobility.
Emergency hospitalization
Salvador Illa was admitted to Vall d’Hebron Hospital by ambulance last Saturday. His condition caused serious concern: sharp pain, weakness in his legs, and inability to move independently. Doctors immediately placed him in the intensive care unit, where the struggle for an accurate diagnosis and the patient’s life began. The most dangerous, life-threatening scenarios were initially considered, but after a series of tests and a spike in temperature on Sunday night, doctors leaned toward an infectious cause.
Illa spent all of Monday in intensive care, where his condition was monitored around the clock. By Tuesday evening, after starting a course of antibiotics, noticeable improvement appeared: motor function in his legs began to return, and he was moved to a regular ward.
A long road to recovery
Despite the positive progress, doctors are cautious about making optimistic predictions. According to their assessment, the intravenous antibiotic course will last at least two weeks. Only after this can they speak of fully eradicating the bacteria and reducing the risk of relapse. However, specialists say part of the treatment may be completed at home under the supervision of a home hospitalization service.
For now, the President of Catalonia remains in the hospital. In addition to medication, he is undergoing daily rehabilitation sessions aimed at restoring strength and sensation in his legs. The infection has led to a marked loss of muscle activity, and returning to his previous form will require time and effort.
A Test for the Leader
The case of Salvador Illa has become an unexpected test not only for the politician himself, but also for the entire health system of Catalonia. Osteomyelitis in the pelvic area is a diagnosis rarely encountered even by experienced doctors. Timely diagnosis and prompt treatment helped avoid serious complications, but the situation demonstrated how vulnerable even the strongest person can be.
All eyes are now on the Vall d’Hebron hospital room, where the president of Catalonia is fighting to return to active life. His example is a reminder that health is not always determined by status or position, and illness can strike when least expected.
