As Texans head to the beach and lakes this summer, health experts are urging swimmers to take extra precautions against a rare but potentially life-threatening infection caused by flesh-eating bacteria.<\/p>\n
Doctors say one of the most important ways to protect yourself is to avoid swimming if you have any open wounds, including cuts, scrapes, razor burns or even a fresh tattoo.<\/p>\n
Those small openings in the skin can allow bacteria to enter the body and, in rare cases, lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a rapidly spreading infection commonly referred to as \u201cflesh-eating bacteria.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a very rapidly progressing infection, usually with fever and other systemic symptoms of infection,\u201d said Dr. Carrie Bakunas, medical director of emergency services at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.<\/p>\n
Necrotizing fasciitis destroys soft tissue and requires immediate medical treatment. Dr. Bakunas said the infection can quickly become life-threatening if it is not treated with emergency surgery.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so dangerous. It always leads to amputation of the limb if they survive it. It\u2019s fatal without surgical intervention,\u201d Bakunas said. \u201cThe surgical intervention means going back to the operating room multiple times for debridement and, many times, amputation. It\u2019s a devastating infection.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not just saltwater<\/p>\n
While many people associate flesh-eating bacteria with the Gulf Coast, doctors say bacteria capable of causing necrotizing fasciitis can also be found in freshwater environments, including lakes and ponds.<\/p>\n
Although anyone can develop the infection, people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019ve got a normal-functioning immune system, you should be fine,\u201d Bakunas said. \u201cMost of these people have some kind of compromised immune system, whether that be diabetes or something more severe like cancer and they\u2019re on chemotherapy or some kind of immunosuppressant.\u201d<\/p>\n
How to reduce your risk<\/p>\n
Health experts recommend taking the following precautions before and after swimming:<\/p>\n
Do not enter the water if you have an open wound, cut, scrape, fresh tattoo or razor burn. <\/p>\n
Wash thoroughly with soap and clean water after swimming in the Gulf, lakes or ponds. <\/p>\n
Monitor any wound for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, severe pain, warmth or fever. <\/p>\n
Seek medical care immediately if a wound appears infected or is rapidly worsening. <\/p>\n
Officials do not routinely test beaches or freshwater swimming areas for the bacteria because they occur naturally in the environment.<\/p>\n
People planning a trip to the Texas coast can check current beach water quality conditions through the Texas Beach Watch program before heading out.<\/p>\n
Although severe infections are rare, doctors say early treatment is critical because necrotizing fasciitis can spread within hours. Anyone who develops worsening pain, swelling, fever or other signs of infection after swimming should seek emergency medical care immediately.<\/p>\n
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