Is there flesh-eating bacteria in Philippines?

Is there flesh-eating bacteria in Philippines?

The Philippines Department of Health has told the BBC that there is no “flesh-eating” bacteria epidemic in Pangasinan province and claims to the contrary are a “hoax”. But fear about a plague there has spread through social media, using the Twitter hashtag #PrayForPangasinan.

Is there necrotizing fasciitis in the Philippines?

MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Enrique Ona urged the public not to panic over a supposed “flesh-eating” skin disease in Pangasinan. “There is no reported case of ‘flesh-eating’ skin disease in the country yet.

Where is the flesh-eating bacteria located?

Flesh-eating bacteria can live in lakes, oceans, swimming pools and even hot tubs. Although not an everyday occurrence, the phrase “flesh-eating bacteria” seems to flash across the evening news every few weeks.

How do you come in contact with flesh-eating bacteria?

How is it spread? Group A streptococcus bacteria spread by contact with saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose or throat of an infected person. The infected person may or may not have symptoms. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the bacteria spread through droplets in the air.

How long does flesh-eating bacteria last?

The symptoms usually last only 3 days. If Vibrio vulnificus is exposed to open wounds, it can cause a rash that changes skin color.

Is flesh-eating bacteria painful?

The infection often spreads very quickly. Early symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis can include: A red, warm, or swollen area of skin that spreads quickly. Severe pain, including pain beyond the area of the skin that is red, warm, or swollen.

Is flesh-eating bacteria curable?

Necrotizing fasciitis is a treatable disease. Only certain rare bacterial strains are able to cause necrotizing fasciitis, but these infections progress rapidly so the sooner one seeks medical care, the better the chances of survival.

Can necrotizing fasciitis be cured?

Treatment. Accurate and prompt diagnosis, treatment with intravenous (IV) antibiotics , and surgery to remove dead tissue are vital in treating necrotizing fasciitis. As the blood supply to the infected tissue becomes impaired, antibiotics often cannot penetrate the infected tissue.

Can you survive necrotizing fasciitis?

Necrotising fasciitis can progress very quickly and lead to serious problems, such as blood poisoning (sepsis) and organ failure. Even with treatment, it’s estimated that 1 or 2 in every 5 cases are fatal.