Doctors Investigate Miley Cyrus' 'Brutal Infection': Potential Causes and Health Impact

Pop superstar Miley Cyrus revealed a recent health scare following the filming of her latest music video on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. The 32-year-old singer recounted during a talk show appearance that she was briefly admitted to the intensive care unit after developing a severe knee infection, prompting renewed attention to the health risks of contact with public spaces.

“I filmed this video in October [2024], and by November at Thanksgiving, I was put in the ICU for a moment—just for a moment,” Cyrus shared, describing how close contact with the well-traveled sidewalk left her with a rapidly worsening infection. Describing the aftermath, she stated, “I caught something. My leg began to disintegrate ... around the kneecap area. And then the doctor goes, ‘Do you have any idea why you would have such a brutal infection on your kneecap?’”

While Cyrus did not specify her official diagnosis, medical professionals are speaking out about the hidden dangers posed by bacteria in everyday urban environments. Doctors say that while highly aggressive infections from city streets are rare, common bacterial agents like strep or staph can infiltrate even minor wounds and produce serious complications. “Strep or staph bacteria are common causes of skin infection like cellulitis," one physician explained, adding that bacteria such as E. coli, shigella, and enterococci—often derived from fecal matter—can be found on the surfaces of busy sidewalks and transferred to individuals who come into direct contact with the ground.

Health experts caution that even minimal skin abrasions can become entry points for infection if exposed to contaminated surfaces. For most people, these infections arise when there is a breach in the skin’s natural barrier. “For the majority of the population, rolling around on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is not common behavior, but even casual interaction could put an individual in contact with harmful bacteria,” noted an emergency medicine specialist, highlighting that the high volume of pedestrian and animal traffic can introduce a range of microbes to public walkways.

Despite the alarming nature of Cyrus’ ordeal, doctors emphasize that basic hygiene practices are essential in minimizing risk. Washing hands thoroughly after being in public spaces, promptly cleaning and covering wounds, and seeking medical attention for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or drainage are strongly recommended. “The best way to keep this from happening is to be fastidious with hygiene,” advised a medical expert. They also underscored the importance of tending to any skin injuries immediately using soap and water and keeping them covered if further exposure to public environments is expected.

While Miley Cyrus' experience in the ICU was brief, her story serves as a stark reminder of the potential health hazards lurking in even the most familiar and popular locations. Her recovery highlights the importance of awareness, prevention, and timely intervention when dealing with unusual symptoms following exposure to public areas.