What is necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease)

Flesh-eating disease is the common name for necrotizing fasciitis (nek-roe-tie-zing fah-shee-eye-tis), an infection that works its way rapidly through the layers of tissue (the fascia) that surround muscles. Flesh-eating disease can be caused by a number of different bacteria, including group A streptococcus (GAS). GAS is a very common bacteria. Many people carry it in the throat or on their skin without getting sick.

What are the symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis?

The symptoms of flesh-eating disease include a high fever, and a red, severely painful swelling that feels hot and spreads rapidly. The skin may become purplish and then die. There may be extensive tissue destruction.

What are the long-term effects of necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease)?

Once the bacteria begins to destroy body tissue, amputation becomes the only way to stop the disease from spreading.

Sources: Santé et Mieux-être, Santé Canada