TOKYO, JAPAN – What was supposed to be a family trip turned into a medical emergency for Sam Pinto after her husband, Anthony Semerad, was rushed to a hospital in Japan due to dengue fever, which he contracted in Manila.
Pinto shared on Instagram Stories that Semerad had been unwell since February 5, experiencing high fever (39-40°C), chills, headaches, joint pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. Initially tested for COVID-19 and influenza, he received negative results, but his condition worsened despite taking prescribed medications.
Emergency Hospitalization
With most hospitals closed on Sunday, Pinto had to call an ambulance, which eventually took Semerad to a facility that could admit him. Blood tests revealed extremely low white blood cells and platelets, leading his team doctor to confirm that he had dengue fever.
Semerad’s condition was aggravated by his weakened immune system from basketball games, frequent travel, and extreme weather changes. His latest blood tests still showed low platelet levels, prompting Pinto to manage everything alone while caring for both Semerad and their daughter, Mia.
Family Life
Pinto and Semerad got married in 2021 after two years of dating and welcomed their daughter, Mia, in September 2021.