What is necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating infection with flu-like symptoms that leaves a woman in a coma?

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare flesh-eating disease. A woman from Scotland thought she had the flu and nearly escaped death after being in a coma for days.

What is necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating infection with flu-like symptoms that leaves a woman in a coma? (Freepik)

Every other day a new disease or ‘rare’ infection surfaces in civilization, setting off alarm bells. Recently, a woman from Scotland nearly escaped death after being infected with a rare flesh-eating bacteria called Necrotizing Fasciitis. We’ve probably never heard of it, but we have to be careful because it can be fatal. According to a report from the New York Post, the infection left the woman with an eight-inch wound in her butt. Jongh Eglin previously mistook the symptoms for flu, but he was kept in a coma nine days later.

After episodes of excessive sweating, her husband rushed her to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis. Doctors told the family the 59-year-old had only a 10 percent chance of survival after undergoing three operations to remove the infected tissue and muscle. She was also in a coma for nine days. “It has been so traumatic and has changed my life forever. I lost weight (70 pounds) and had to learn to walk again. Even now, I still can’t sit down and have to carry a special pillow everywhere,” she says.

What is Necrotizing Fasciitis? Symptoms for precautions

Necrotizing fasciitis, often called “flesh-eating disease,” is a rapidly progressing bacterial infection that spreads through the fascia, a layer of tissue under the skin. It quickly destroys tissues, including skin, fat and muscle. This aggressive infection requires immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications and even death.

Symptoms of Necrotizing Fasciitis:

Severe pain, often disproportionate to the appearance of the wound.
Redness and swelling of the affected area, which spreads quickly.
Warmth and tenderness to the touch.
Blisters or black spots on the skin.
Changes in skin color, such as purple or bronze.
Pus or oozing from the infected area.
Fever, chills and fatigue.
Nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
In later stages, the skin may turn black and die, and gas bubbles may appear under the skin.

Precautions to be taken:

Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly.
Clean and disinfect any cuts, scrapes or wounds immediately.
Cover open wounds with clean bandages.
Manage any chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, that can weaken the immune system.
Consider possible risk factors, such as recent surgeries, insect bites, and intravenous drug use.

Seek immediate medical care if you experience symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis.

Therapy:

Necrotizing fasciitis requires prompt and aggressive treatment to prevent further tissue damage and possible death. Treatment typically includes intravenous (IV) antibiotics, surgery, wound care, etc.

However, the infection can be fatal if not treated quickly. Early detection and intervention are crucial for successful treatment and recovery. But it is important to maintain good hygiene and strengthen immunity to lead a healthy lifestyle in a period of uncertainties.