PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. — A man from Georgia says he got a flesh-eating bacterial infection after a trip to a beach in the Florida Panhandle.
AL.com reported Tony Meredith and his wife were on a trip to Panama City Beach. Days later, Meredith got flu-like symptoms, which doctors initially thought were a kidney infection.
However, doctors later diagnosed him with necrotizing fasciitis, which is caused by flesh-eating bacteria found in water.
WDHN in Alabama said the bacteria entered Meredith's body through a small scratch below his knee. Meredith told the station his leg was purple and swelling and that he "almost lost my leg or my life."
Doctors were able to use powerful antibiotics to kill the infection, WDHN said.
Previous: After flesh-eating bacteria reports, health department says beaches are safe, 'but use caution'
This new case of flesh-eating bacteria comes days after the Florida Department of Health in Bay County issued a statement about water and beach safety.
The department said the state's beaches are "safe for visitors, but use caution."
In a statement to CBS affiliate WKMG earlier this month, the Department of Health in Orange County provided advice for beach-goers:
When visiting the state's beaches and/or intracoastal waterways, residents and visitors should cover any open skin cuts they may have with a waterproof band-aid before interacting with the water. If not possible, individuals can enjoy the sun and sand but they may want to stay out of the water as a precaution against water-borne illnesses.
The department in Bay County also provided a fact sheet for necrotizing fasciitis, saying it's caused by more than one type of bacteria.
More about flesh-eating bacteria
- Several bacteria common in Florida's environment can cause the condition necrotizing fasciitis, or flesh-eating bacteria.
- People don't "catch" flesh-eating bacteria. It's a complication or a symptom of a bacterial infection.
- Vibrio vulnificus is sometimes called flesh-eating bacteria. This bacteria naturally occurs in warm, salty waters like the Gulf of Mexico and nearby bays.
- Necrotizing fasciitis and severe infections from vibrio vulnificus are rare. The infections can be treated with antibiotics and sometimes require surgery. The health department said a rapid diagnosis is the key for treatment and recovery.
- The health department said the chances of developing necrotizing fasciitis is extremely low for those with healthy immune systems.
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