A firefighter from British Columbia is recovering in a Hong Kong hospital after contracting a flesh-eating infection that forced the amputation of his leg during a family vacation earlier this month. Here are some facts about the disease, necrotizing fasciitis.
WHAT IS NECROTIZING FASCIITIS?
— Rare, fast-moving infection that can kill within hours
— Can cause gangrene, or soft tissue death, as it cuts off blood supply
— High mortality rate
— May start with a minor cut or scrape, or follow chickenpox
— There may be no obvious wound or injury
WHAT CAUSES IT?
— Bacteria including group A streptococcus; the same bacteria can cause skin infections, strep throat, scarlet fever or rheumatic fever
— Scientists don't fully understand why "strep A" bacteria causes severe disease in some, while others carry it without getting sick
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
— Severe pain in a limb
— Pain that exceeds what you'd expect from visual signs, such as redness
HOW IS IT TREATED?
— Antibiotics, though they're often not enough
— Surgery to remove dead tissue or even limbs
HOW IS IT PREVENTED?
— There is no vaccine against group A streptococcus infections
— Proper care for wounds and scrapes
— Taking antibiotics if you are sick with strep throat or a related infection in order to reduce the likelihood of transmitting it to someone else
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 27, 2024.
The Canadian Press
