Is Flesh Eating Bacteria Contagious When a Person Dies?

Necrotizing fasciitis, also known as flesh-eating bacteria, is a rare but often fatal condition caused when bacteria invade the body and grow rapidly on layers of connective tissue called fascia, destroying the surrounding tissue.

Symptoms

• The first symptom is usually a fresh wound that becomes painful, red, and hot. Fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur. Ulcers and drainage usually follow.

Is it contagious after the person dies?

• While unlikely, it is possible to acquire necrotizing fasciitis from a person who died of it. By touching the wound, bacteria can be spread. However, for it to cause necrotizing fasciitis the person coming into contact with the bacteria would have to introduce it through the skin.

Causes

• According to the National Library of Medicine, a number of different bacteria can cause necrotizing fasciitis, including Streptococcus pyogenes, sometimes known as flesh-eating bacteria. Normally, this organism only causes strep throat.

Number of People Affected

• According to MedicineNet.com, approximately 500 to 1000 cases per year occur in the U.S. About 25 percent of infected persons die from the disease.

Treatment

• Intravenous antibiotics are started immediately, and often surgery is performed to remove dead tissue or to amputate an infected limb.