Lake Martin Topics: Flesh Eating Bacteria...Could it happen in Martin?

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	Name:	lubdalake -
	Subject:	Flesh Eating Bacteria...Could it happen in Martin?
	Date:	5/15/2012 12:41:08 PM

Yes it could happen, because the so called "flesh eating bacteria" is not caused by a single type of bacterium, but can be caused by any number of bacteria causing a condition called necrotizing fasciitis.

The bacterial infection is caused commonly by group A Strep bacteria, which is the same bacteria that causes common Strep throat. Usually easily killed by antibiotics, sometimes a very strong variety of Strep occurs. This is the one that causes the life-threatening cases and is known as the "flesh-eating" bacteria. NF can also be caused by other bacteria, or a mixture of bacteria. The bacteria destroys soft tissue at the subcutaneous level, and often is coupled with toxic shock syndrome, both are deadly alone, together they are even more so. If muscle is destroyed, it is necrotizing myositis.

It can be contracted in many ways but the single biggest preventative measure is keeping the skin intact.

Early diagnosis and intervention is key. If your kid has a open wound, keep a close eye on it, wash it often with antiseptic soap, and bring the kid in QUICKLY if it becomes red and inflamed looking.

Lots of info on the web, just google it.

Another potentially serious problem and is more likely to kill you is the so called "brain eating amoeba". Amoebas can enter the human nose after a person jumps or dives into warm fresh water like we have in Lake Martin. (Anyone for a jump off of chicken rock?).

Personally, I would worry more about the Amoeba than the necrotizing fasciitis.