This is the stuff that has caused some serious issues at some of the local
lakes. It enters through a cut and if you get spinned. Worth the read,
though most of the incidents we hear about are from salt water.

Necrotizing Fasciitis [/b[b]](Flesh-Eating Bacteria)

What is necrotizing fasciitis?
Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare bacterial infection that can destroy skin and the soft tissues beneath it, including fat and the tissue covering the muscles (fascia). Because these tissues often die rapidly, a person with necrotizing fasciitis is sometimes said to be infected with "flesh-eating" bacteria, especially Streptococcus pyogenes.

Necrotizing fasciitis is very rare but serious. Around 30% of those who develop necrotizing fasciitis die from the disease.1

Many people who get necrotizing fasciitis are in good health prior to the infection.2 Those at increased risk of developing the infection are people who:

Have a weakened immune system or lack the proper antibodies to fight off the infection.
Have chronic health problems such as diabetes, cancer, or liver or kidney disease.
Have cuts or surgical wounds, including episiotomy.
Recently had chickenpox or other viral infections that cause a rash.
Use steroid medications, which can lower the body's resistance to infection.

What causes necrotizing fasciitis?

Necrotizing fasciitis is caused by several kinds of bacteria. The most common cause is infection by a group A streptococcal (GAS) bacterium, most often Streptococcus pyogenes, which also causes other common infections such as strep throat or impetigo. Usually the infections caused by these bacteria are mild. In rare cases, however, the bacteria produce poisons (toxins) that can damage the soft tissue below the skin and cause a more dangerous infection that spreads through the blood to the lungs and other organs. The disease also may be caused by Vibrio vulnificus. Infection with this bacterium can occur if wounds are exposed to ocean water or the drippings from raw saltwater fish, or through injuries from handling marine crustaceans such as crabs. These infections are more common in people who have chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis.

Another type of necrotizing fasciitis may be caused by multiple bacteria found in the intestine; this type most often affects people with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease. Occasionally people who have gunshot injuries or tumors in the lower digestive tract develop necrotizing fasciitis.

A break in the skin allows bacteria to infect the soft tissue. In some cases, infection can also occur at the site of a muscle strain or bruise, even if there is no break in the skin. It may not be obvious where the infection started, because the bacteria may travel through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.

The bacteria that produce the toxins that cause necrotizing fasciitis can be passed from person to person. However, a person who acquires the bacteria is unlikely to develop a severe infection unless he or she has an open wound, chickenpox, or an impaired immune system.

Have any idea where any of these cases have been reported in Texas?

I know of two in Rockport this year. One man lost his leg. I will put up a site you can go to.

Hope this will help you.


Sharing the following update on the figures for the vibrio cases this year. For more information on vibrio, you can read up on it at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/vibriovulnificus_g.htm

Mrs. Hall

Here are the latest figures, updated as of 7/18/06

All species of Vibrio, morbidity and mortality, occurring in and reported for residents of coastal counties, including the two counties closest to the coast in Texas.

2005: 32 cases, 3 of these fatal

2006, as of 7/18/06: 21 cases, 1 of these fatal

Allison Abell, PhD

Epidemiologist, Epidemiology Response Team

Texas Dept of State Health Services

601 W Sesame Dr

Harlingen, TX 78550

Allison.Abell@dshs.state.tx.us

tel 956-444-3284

fax 956-444-3287

Interesting...thanks for the info

So, would one be safe wearing a good dry pair of waders?

I carry a bottle of bleach on board the boat. If I get cut or get hooked I will wash it out with the bleach. It's burns but it works. I don't worry about this in the winter time the water is to cold.

________________
Catching is 90% of Fishing.
Tom

Darn, I just took a tetanus shot thinking I would avoid all the problems from being cut, finned, etc. Should a person increase the blood flow when finned and then clean the wound with peroxide and then cover it with an antibiotic ?

My understanding was that this stuff typically affects people that already have medical issues or a weakend immune system, but my brother got this stuff on his hand two years ago. He was 25 years old and in good health. We were fishing in Rockport along Traylor Island in March. The water was still pretty cold. A day or so later he got a small red spot on his hand and within a couple of days it had covered must of his hand. It basically started eating away at his hand. I guess because he was young and healthy a couple of trips to the doctor everything was OK.

This stuff is pretty bad, open wounds large or small is definately a problem. My thought is that you have a greater chance of getting in a car wreck on the way to fishing than actually getting this stuff, but a little bleach or peroxide after you get in or out of the water would definately be a wise practice.

Up Date... The man who lost his leg this summer from Flesh-Eating Bacteria Pass away this past week. This stuff is bad. More
infor to come.
_________________________
Semper Fi!

My friends dad died from this. From what I understand he fell of his boat at the dock, and felt ill later. Didn't seek medical help for about 3 days, and lost most of his limbs before it got him. Nasty.

I lost my 35 year old wife of 18 years to this stuff less than a month ago, Nov 10th. We took her to the hospital on Tues morning because her leg hurt and she passed away at 1:30 on Friday. In some way my two sons and I are still in shock. She had not been any where near the lake.

It is most commony the Strep A bacteria that causes this, the same one that causes strep throat They say about 30% of the population carries this bacteria (strep A) on them though many are never effected.


You can find out all about it here http://nnff.org

Wow, I am really sorry to hear that RRaider

I'm glad this topic was started, I had no clue of it untill you posted it. I too am sorry for your families loss RRaider.
Scott

That is a terrible loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.