(KTLA) — Pop icon Miley Cyrus is opening up about an unexpected health scare that began while filming a music video on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame – and ended with a trip to the ICU.

In a recent appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” the Grammy-winning singer-actress revealed she developed a serious knee infection after shooting scenes for her upcoming album-inspired film, “Something Beautiful,” along the Los Angeles landmark.

“My leg began to disintegrate within some way around the kneecap area,” Cyrus tells Kimmel. “I caught something.”

Nexstar’s KTLA’s Chris Wolfe spoke with a doctor for some insight into the pop star’s injury.

“The world is covered in a thin layer of poop, as I like to say,” said Dr. Alex McDonald, a family medicine specialist with Kaiser Permanente. “City streets are notorious for all kinds of very nasty bacteria.”

Healthy individuals can typically fight off most germs: Doctor

McDonald noted that while healthy individuals can usually fight off most germs, city streets – especially heavily trafficked areas like the Walk of Fame – can harbor dangerous bacteria.

Especially if Cyrus had a cut or scratch around her knee, McDonald noted, the open wound would put her at greater risk for infection.

“Sounds like it was just bad luck, honestly,” said McDonald.

‘Wear shoes, wash your hands’: Doctor

According to McDonald, infections like the one Cyrus described are rare but serious, with symptoms typically appearing within three to five days of exposure. He advises washing any wound with soap and warm water immediately and applying a topical antibiotic to prevent deeper infection.

“Wear shoes, wash your hands – basic things like that,” he said.

While Cyrus has since recovered, her story serves as a reminder to take precautions in public spaces.