Cheryl Bennett Wiygul wants the world to know that flesh-eating bacteria is real, and it is preventable. She knows because it took her father’s life.
The Beach Infection That Caused A Father’s Death
Cheryl’s father had battled cancer for many years. However, he was healthy enough to visit his daughter who lived near the beach. Ironically, he practiced excellent beach safety and had taken many precautions before swimming. He even put an antibiotic ointment on his wounds and sealed all visible scratches. The family enjoyed themselves all day, swimming in the ocean and spending time together. In fact, Cheryl’s father was well enough that they even rode jet skis and played beachball catch! That night, her father talked joyfully and stayed up late to watch a movie.
By 4 AM, however, everything had changed. He woke up with a terrible fever and cramping. That day, on the way to his doctor’s appointment, his illness became worse. By the time they arrived at the hospital, there was a large swollen black spot on his back.
Soon, he was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, more commonly known as flesh-eating bacteria. Much to the family’s horror, the black spot on his back started growing rapidly. Then, more black spots started popping up on other parts of his body.
Within 48 hours of swimming, Cheryl’s father passed away. (1)
Causes of Flesh-Eating Bacteria
Sadly, what sounds like a villain from a science fiction thriller is not a myth. It is a real condition that can kill quickly if it’s not treated immediately. People who have compromised immune systems are more susceptible to this disease. Flesh-eating bacteria is often caused by Group A Strep. You may have heard of “strep throat,” because Group A Strep is a bacteria that usually forms in the throat. However, it can also be found on the skin. Breaks in the skin can allow this bacteria to spread and fester. These skin wounds can be caused by insect bites, punctures, burns, scrapes, and cuts. In addition, trauma to the body or skin, including chickenpox, can also cause necrotizing fasciitis if it does not heal properly. (2)
Dangers of Flesh-Eating Bacteria
Necrotizing fasciitis can lead to a chain reaction in all bodily functions, called sepsis. Essentially, if this disease goes untreated, it causes other parts of the body to shut down. Sadly, as Cheryl Bennett Wiygul’s father shows us, this infection can cause loss of limbs and even death. (2)
Symptoms of Flesh-Eating Bacteria
Cheryl Bennett Wiygul’s father experienced most of the tell-tale signs of necrotizing fasciitis. Symptoms include the following:
- Swollen wounds that spread
- Fever
- Severe pain anywhere on the body
- Pain in the area of skin that is swollen
- Black spots on the skin
- Oozing from wounds
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Stomach discomfort, including nausea and diarrhea (2)
Prevention
When a death occurs as a result of flesh-eating bacteria, it shakes all of us to the core, in part because it’s preventable. Following these steps can help prevent necrotizing fasciitis:
- Practice beach safety: Avoid the water if you have any open wounds.
- Keep all wounds clean.
- Cover open wounds with a clean bandage or wrap.
- Wash hands regularly.
- Treat fungal infections as soon as possible.
- See a doctor to treat any serious wounds.
If a person is infected with necrotizing fasciitis, the most important step in preventing death is to get treatment immediately. (2)
There is no need to panic. Knowing the facts, including those that Cheryl Bennett Wiygul shares by telling her story, may prevent beach infections and save a life.
