1. BY AMY MUNSTERMAN P.2 Flesh Eating Bacteria

2. What is it? A very rare but serious bacterial infection An infection that starts in the tissues just below the skin Spreads along the flat layers of tissues that separate different layers of soft tissue, such as muscle and fat. Breaks down materials in the tissue, which rapidly spreads the bacteria, leading to widespread effects such as shock http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey= 61933 http://media.treehugger.com/assets/images/2011/10/flesh- eating-bacteria.jpg

3. How do you get it? Begins to grow and releases toxins that kill tissue and affect blood flow to the area. As the tissue dies, the bacteria enters the blood and rapidly spreads throughout the body to vital organs. Breaks down materials in the tissue, which rapidly spreads the bacteria, leading to widespread effects such as shock Intensity of infection can lead to amputation. Symptoms – redness, swelling, pain, vomiting, nausea. Develops rapidly within 24 hrs. after a wound in the skin has allowed the bacteria to invade the tissues beneath the skin. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002415/ http://healthtools.aarp.org/adamcontent/necrotizing-soft-tissue-infection?CMP=KNC-360I-GOOGLE- HEA&HBX_PK=flesh_eating_bacteria&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=flesh%2Beating%2B bacteria&utm_campaign=G_Diseases%2Band%2BConditions&360cid=SI_148900303_6495451981_1

4. Is it common? Fewer than 1,000 cases a year in the U.S Most common in the arms, legs, and abdominal wall and is fatal in 30%-40% of cases. 24 yr. old Aimee Copeland was infected with it after gashing her leg in a river when her zip-line snapped. She got 22 staples in her leg, but since the infection was in her tissues, they had to amputate her leg in order to prevent infection further throughout her body. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002415/http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey= 61933 http://www.boston.com/Boston/dailydose/2012/05/how- common-flesh-eating- bacteria/QdEUtNqYgRy7omRGQFclrN/story.html