Flesh-Killing Bacteria Cases Appear in Alaska

Third case this year affects man in Juneau

Tools

By Kate McPherson
Bio | Email

Story Created: Jul 16, 2012 at 11:25 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Jul 16, 2012 at 11:25 AM AKDT

ALASKA - We need to warn you that the images for this next story are pretty graphic.

Flesh-killing bacteria landed a Juneau man in a Seattle hospital.

But it turns out he's not alone.

This was the third case in Alaska this year, and though the bacteria are rare – according to health experts – they can kill one in five people who are infected.

Those with low immune systems and chronic medical conditions, like diabetes, are more at risk.

Doctors say the bacteria is usually contracted through an open wound and symptoms can begin with redness, swelling or blistering.

It's also been called a flesh “eating” bacteria, but experts say that's technically incorrect.

"The term flesh eating is a misnomer; the bacteria don't actually eat your flesh, what they do is secrete a toxin that destroys the tissue, so it destroys the skin tissue, the muscle tissue, the fat tissue, where those bacteria are present," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Joe McLaughlin.

Doctors say practicing good personal hygiene typically keeps the infection at bay.
 

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KTVA CBS 11 | Anchorage, Alaska News and Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.