Elections

Hilton Head mayoral candidate hospitalized for infection, improving after ICU

Barry W. Ginn poses with his dog, Romeo, in a photo released during his campaign for Hilton Head Island mayor in 2018.
Barry W. Ginn poses with his dog, Romeo, in a photo released during his campaign for Hilton Head Island mayor in 2018. Released from Ginn

Hilton Head mayoral candidate Barry W. Ginn spent Labor Day weekend in the intensive care unit at Hilton Head Hospital, according to Ginn’s media contact, Erin Lentz.

Ginn was admitted on Thursday, Aug. 30, for treatment of a bloodstream infection. He has since been moved from the intensive care unit to a regular room, according to Lentz.

Doctors told Lentz the infection was not related to necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating disease Ginn has battled in the past.

Necrotizing fasciitis bacteria, which typically infect wounds, could have caused pain, dangerously low blood pressure, confusion, high fever, severe dehydration or organ failure.

In a Facebook post, the 66-year-old real estate agent said he is feeling well and still running for mayor.

As of Friday afternoon, Lentz had not received word as to when Ginn would be discharged from the hospital. His personal Facebook page was filled with notes from friends and supporters.

“He is in high spirits and he’s ready to get back to work,” Lentz said.

Ginn is one of seven people running for Hilton Head mayor. The other six are:

This story was originally published September 7, 2018 at 3:54 PM.

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