Surge of ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria infections plagues Florida following Hurricane Ian

When Hurricane Ian slammed into Lee County, Florida, as a near-Class 5 storm final month, it left in its wake not simply widespread destruction but additionally a surge of uncommon “flesh-eating” bacterial infections, state well being knowledge exhibits.

Flesh-eating micro organism could cause “necrotizing fasciitis” — an an infection that triggers aggressive irritation within the tissue surrounding muscle groups and different organs, inflicting that tissue to quickly die, in accordance with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (opens in new tab) (CDC). The micro organism enter the physique via damaged pores and skin, and necrotizing fasciitis can set in shortly thereafter, resulting in life-threatening issues like shock and organ failure. As much as 20% of individuals with necrotizing fasciitis die, some inside days of the an infection’s begin.