Flesh Eating Virus Information
Flesh eating virus is a bacterial infection that is commonly caused by a very strong type of strep bacteria (group A strep). It may also be caused by a mixture of other bacteria. The virus is called necrotizing fasciitis and it is a life-threatening condition.
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Infection
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Flesh eating virus can enter your body through a very small opening, such as a pin prick or paper cut. It may also enter through a blister, bruise or abrasion. It is usually transferred through direct contact with the secretions of an infected individual or through respiratory droplets. In some cases, an individual can carry the bacteria without showing symptoms of illness, yet they are contagious.
Early Symptoms
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Early symptoms of flesh eating virus can occur within 24 hours of contracting it. They can include another skin opening, pain in the general region of the wound, pain that becomes more painful as time passes, extreme thirst due to dehydration, and flu-like symptoms such as nausea, fever, confusion, diarrhea and weakness.
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Advanced/Critical Symptoms
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Advanced symptoms appear within three or four days and include swelling of the limb or area of the infection; large, dark marks that turn into blisters that are filled with black fluid; and a necrotic appearance of the wound (white, bluish or dark and mottled). Critical symptoms, which present in four to five days include a sharp drop in blood pressure, toxic shock of the body and unconsciousness when the body has lost the ability to fight the infection.
Diagnosis
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Flesh eating virus is frequently misdiagnosed because the symptoms are so similar to many minor conditions. It usually is not considered until the condition has reached the advanced or critical stage. According to the National Necrotizing Faciitis Foundation, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report in 1996 estimated between 500 and 1500 infections and that 20 percent of those cases result in death. Early diagnosis is critical to survival.
Treatment
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Treatment involves intravenous antibiotic therapy, hospitalization and removal of the diseased tissue. There may be other treatments in response to symptoms, such as medications to increase blood pressure when it drops. Blood transfusions may be given and in some cases a hyperbaric oxygen chamber may be used. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is a new medication being used to treat this condition. Of patients who survive the infection, many may require skin grafts to replace the tissue that has been removed and amputation may be necessary in some cases.
Prevention
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While there is no absolute method of prevention, there are ways to reduce your risk of becoming infected. Thoroughly clean any openings in your skin (wounds) and treat them with an antibiotic ointment. The National Necrotizing Faciitis Foundation recommends that you keep tubes of ointment in your car, your exercise bag, at work and at home. Emphasize the importance of keeping skin clean with your children. If you believe you may have strep throat or some other strep infection, or if you have been exposed to an individual who does have an infection, take precautions to avoid infecting others. Keep in mind that you can carry the bacteria and never have any symptoms.
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References
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