The Southland teenager suffering meningococcal disease has had her right arm amputated.
Sara Loo (18), a year 13 James Hargest College pupil, was transferred to Auckland's Middlemore Hospital nearly two weeks ago after having both legs amputated below the knee at Dunedin Hospital last month.
Her father, Robert, said Sara's right arm had been amputated above the elbow on June 6.
Damage to Sara's right arm "was not recoverable and infection in its tissue meant that the arm had to be amputated", he said.
"Sara is only now becoming aware of this as she has been sedated most of the week for treatment," he said yesterday in a statement.
The news was not released until this week to allow Sara to come out of sedation and give consent.
"Sara is stable but recovery from meningococcal septicaemia is a long process and is fought on many fronts.
"The last week has been focused on fighting infection and removing all damaged tissue in preparation for skin grafting."
Mr Loo said he and Sara's sister, Rachel, returned to Invercargill on Sunday.
Sara's mother, Caroline, remained in Auckland.
Mr Loo thanked Sara's many well-wishers, as well as her part-time employer, The Warehouse, which had been fundraising for her.
"This is why we call Southland home. The weather may at times be cold but the hearts and generosity of Southland people is so warm."
Sara was transferred from Southland to Dunedin on May 13, after contracting the disease early last month. eileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz
