The idea of a flesh-eating virus is something that seems almost impossible, however, this rare bacterial infection has severe implications. Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection that spreads throughout the body immediately and death is a plausible outcome. It aims at destructing the tissue in the skin and the muscles. Necrotizing Fasciitis was first discovered in 1783 in France and was prevalent between the 18th-19th centuries. It was extremely common in military hospitals and there was an abundance of outbreaks during times of war. 

Symptoms

This infection in present-day is rare, however, it can be easily contracted from a simple papercut. It starts with mild symptoms such as redness or warmth of the skin and feels similar to pulling a muscle. As it progresses, a painful protrusion that is red in colour, rapidly the pain starts to increase and the infected area will start to expand. As the skin begins to decay, pus will begin to ooze out and the skin will start to discolour. Other symptoms include fatigue, weakness, extremely high fever and vomiting to name a few. If ulcers, blisters or black spots begin to occur it means that the skin has begun to decay and will eventually start to spread. 

Causes

It is caused by germs from group A streptococcal bacteria. This group of bacteria is notorious for causing common infections such as sore throats as well as strep throat. Possessing germs from Group A are also the leading cause for pneumonia, toxic-shock syndrome as well as necrotizing fasciitis. There are several other bacterias that can also cause Necrotizing Fasciitis such as Clostridium, Staphylococcus aureus and a more commonly known one E.Coli. The bacteria that causes NF can enter wherever skin is broken. It can simply be a paper cut or even from a surgical wound. The bacteria does not require a large surface area to enter, even from an injection of a small needle the bacteria is able to enter and internally begin spreading.

Risks

Necrotizing Fasciitis is often seen in individuals who already have weakened immune systems from other illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, kidney disease etc. However, there have been instances where healthy individuals developed the disease. Individuals who use steroids/IVs or any other form of injections on a regular basis possess a large risk, as they often have an open puncture wound. NF can lead to sepsis, which is when your body reacting to the infection and can often be life-threatening. Another common risk factor is the loss of a limb and severe scarring as the bacteria spreads rapidly. The CDC has stated that the mortality rate of NF is 1 in 3 patients, despite having proper care. Cardiovascular collapse also is a serious implication in which results in cardiac arrhythmia and hypotension. Essentially meaning the heart begins to beat at an irregular pace, either too fast or too slow and blood pressure begins to drop. 

Treatments for this bacteria often revolve around antibiotics, if the skin has decayed it means the antibiotics won’t be able to reach that specific area however they can help prevent the spread of the bacteria. In many cases, amputation and removal of the dead skin are necessary as the bacteria continues to spread. Early diagnosis is the best-case scenario as it can be treated as soon as possible before it gets life-threatening. Many individuals who recovered have minor scarring but there is a high possibility they had to undergo multiple surgical treatments. Ensuring any wounds/cuts are properly taken care of, along with the avoidance of public bodies of water (hot-tubs, beaches, pools etc.) to prevent the bacteria from entering the skin.