Once reserved for Hollywood blockbusters, or perhaps our own private nightmares, flesh-eating bacteria seems to be stepping out of the obscure and into the every day. New cases of it, known scientifically as necrotizing fasciitis, have been turning up in new places it hadn’t previously been observed, and that’s raising some eyebrows. (1)
According to a June 2019 report from the Annals of Internal Medicine, cases of necrotizing fasciitis are no longer as rare as previously understood, and warming waters are to blame. The bacteria live in brackish, high-salinity waters with surface temperatures above 13°C (55.4°F) and as the temperatures of our coastal waters rise, this bacteria is moving into new areas. (2)
This is really terrible news for anyone who likes to spend time at the beach or enjoy a seafood dinner. Yes, there could be bacteria in seafood. This raises the possibility of infection for people who aren’t even in the area.
What Is Necrotizing Fasciitis?
“Necrotizing” refers to death, and “fasciitis” refers to an irritation of the supporting structures under the skin, also known as fascia.
The CDC describes necrotizing fasciitis as “a rare bacterial infection that spreads quickly in the body and can cause death.” (3) The media often portrays this as “flesh-eating bacteria”, but it’s important to know that more than one type of bacteria can cause necrotizing fasciitis.
Not that you needed more reasons to freak out, but public health experts actually believe that group A Streptococcus (group A strep) are the most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis. (4) But where this latest study is concerned, we’re actually dealing with Vibrio Vulnificus.
So, necrotizing fasciitis is the result of infection with flesh-eating bacteria. It’s not the bacteria itself.
How Do You Get Infected Necrotizing Fasciitis?
It gets in through any opening in your skin. People with cuts, scrapes, burns, or other wounds are encouraged to stay out of waters where these bacteria have been observed. The areas of concern lately are the southeastern U.S coast, the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico.
You can also become infected if you consume uncooked (or improperly cooked) seafood which has come in contact with the bacteria.
In light of these studies, and the unusual locations where these bacteria are being observed, the medical community is taking notice. Early detection and treatment are key. So, it’s concerning that doctors might not conclude quickly enough that they’re dealing with flesh-eating bacteria. If you’ll be enjoying yourself in coastal waters this summer, it’s a really good idea to get familiar with what to look for in the event that you or a loved one is infected.
According to the CDC, early signs of necrotizing fasciitis infection include:
- Fever
- Quick-spreading redness and swollen skin
- Severe pain beyond the affected area
Later symptoms include:
- Discoloration of the skin to a purplish or reddish color
- Ulcers and fluid-filled blisters on the skin
- Pus-filled lesions on the skin
- Pus in the injury
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea or nausea (3)
Knowledge Is Power!
The fact is, there are so many things out there that can hurt you or make you sick. For the most part, our immune system takes care of bugs before we even know there’s an issue. Be aware of what’s happening in your area, and take the precautions that you can. Otherwise, enjoy yourself! In spite of the fact that necrotizing fasciitis is scary, it’s still quite rare. But if you find yourself with any of the above symptoms, get yourself to a doctor right away. It could save your life!
