A 52-year-old man has contracted a severe bacterial infection referred to as necrotizing fasciitis after being bitten by a relative during a family gathering.

Donnie Adams, a resident of Riverview, Florida, initially noticed pain in his left thigh accompanied by a small raised bump. He attributed the mark to a previous incident a couple of days earlier when he intervened in a family altercation. Searching for medical attention, he received a tetanus shot and antibiotics, in keeping with Tampa Bay Times.

Nevertheless, his condition worsened significantly in the next days, prompting a return visit to the hospital. Adams could barely walk, and a considerable portion of the flesh in his leg between the knee and groin had begun to decay.

Adams was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a rapidly progressing infection that may destroy skin, fat and muscles.

Necrotizing fasciitis is primarily attributable to various sorts of bacteria, mostly group A Streptococcus, as indicated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although considered rare, the infection poses a big danger attributable to its rapid spread throughout the body, potentially resulting in death.

Commonly known as “flesh-eating disease,” it enters the body through breaks within the skin. Prompt treatment involving the removal of dead tissue and administration of antibiotics is crucial in combating this potentially fatal condition.

During surgery, roughly 70% of the flesh in Adams’ thigh needed to be excised, with further removal vital during a subsequent procedure. Though an extreme measure, the end result might have been much more dire.

Adams shared with the Tampa Bay Times, “If I’d’ve waited and waited until the following day after our second visit, there was a probability I’d’ve lost my leg.”

It stays unclear whether Adams’ infection resulted directly from the bacteria transmitted through the bite or if it occurred subsequently. Generally, the condition is related to cuts, scrapes and other wounds, and person-to-person transmission is rare.

Despite the scarring, Adams has made a very good recovery and might walk normally again. He conveyed that the members of the family involved within the incident are deeply remorseful, in keeping with the Tampa Bay Times.

Published by Medicaldaily.com