Diseases

Flesh Eating Bacterial Infection

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Flesh-eating disease is more properly called necrotizing fasciitis, a rare condition in which bacteria destroy tissues underlying the skin. This tissue death, called necrosis or gangrene, spreads rapidly. This disease can be fatal in as little as 12 to 24 hours.

SYMPTOMS

The early stage of necrotizing fasciitis is characterized by symptoms of redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area. Blisters may Be seen in the involved area of skin. Fever, nausea, vomiting, and other flu-like symptoms are common.

CAUSES

Although necrotizing fasciitis may be caused by an infection with one or more than one bacterium, in most cases, the term flesh-eating bacteria has been applied to describe infections caused by the bacterium known asstreptococcus pyogenes.