Necrotizing fasciitis, also known as “flesheating bacteria" or “flesheating disease”, is a rare but severe infection that progresses rapidly and destroys muscle, fat and skin tissue.

It can be caused by more than one type of bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) is believed to be the most common cause. The agency also warns that bacteria that live in water, including Vibrio vulnificus, can also cause necrotizing fasciitis. Some of the other types of bacteria often mentioned include Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Bacteroides fragilis, Aeromonas hydrophila and others.

CDC states the bacteria most commonly enter the body through a break in the skin. However, people can also get necrotizing fasciitis after blunt trauma (an injury that does not break the skin).

While anyone could get this rare infection, most people who get it have other health problems that may lower their body’s ability to fight infections. Some of those conditions that weaken the body’s immune system listed by CDC include:
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Cancer

For anyone that develops necrotizing fasciitis, the condition requires prompt medical care. CDC cautions that even with treatment, up to 1 in 5 people with necrotizing fasciitis die from the infection.

These are just a few of the many things to know about flesheating bacteria and potential exposure risks. To learn more about this or other infection control, environmental, health or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.

Clark Seif Clark https://www.csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. https://www.emsl.com
LA Testing https://www.latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental https://www.zimmetry.com
CTSI https://www.ctsiweb.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine https://www.healthyindoors.com