Necrotizing Fasciitis– the Flesh Eating Bacteria

We’ve all watched movies that portray horrific scenes of decomposing flesh and amputated limbs– they are a Hollywood favorite. Sadly this popular cinematic depiction became twenty-four year old Aimee Copelands’ reality after a zip-line accident. The bacterial infection that Aimee Copeland contracted, which is known as Necrotizing Fasciitis, is not a new kind of infection nor is there anything mysterious about it.

Necrotizing Fasciitis is a soft tissue infection which is caused by group A Streptococcus bacterium, the same kind of bacteria that can cause strep throats and impetigo. Just because the bacteria that usually gives you a strep throat can cause Necrotizing Fasciitis is not a reason to worry. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) 10,000 to 15,000 cases of Necrotizing Fasciitis infections occur each year in the United States.This may seem like a large number but it is relatively small. The odds that Aimee Copeland would ever be diagnosed with Necrotizing Fasciitis in her lifetime were slim to none.

Though it is rare for someone to become infected with Necrotizing Fasciitis the infection is worth thinking about. If nothing else it will make sure you take care of your wounds. The infection destroys muscles, skin, and underlying tissues which, as you can imagine, is a very painful process. It’s humbling to think that something as small as a bacteria could cause you to lose a limb, far less your life. In Aimee Copelands’ case a leg and part of her abdomen were removed and the need to amputate more appendages is currently being reviewed. If all she loses are a few limbs she will be considered lucky. The mortality rate of Necrotizing Fasciitis is upward from 60%.

Though this infection is terrifying and you are probably thinking of all the ways you can prevent yourself from contracting it, it isn’t worth the thought. There is no sure way to protect yourself from the bacterium that causes Necrotizing Fasciitis, all you can do is take the normal precautions you take for any other sickness: wash your hands and clean your wounds, it’s really all a matter of hygiene. If you do happen to become one of the 10 to 15 thousand cases of Necrotizing Fasciitis victims the best of luck to you. Just remember that the odds were in your favor and maybe they will be again.