25-year-old Maia Stock was excited at the chance to get away from snowy Canada and bask in the warmth of the Puerto Vallarta sun—relaxing at the resort, swimming in the crystalline water. When Maia and her family first arrived at the resort, they soaked in the atmosphere. It seemed to be the ideal beach vacation. But things soon changed. Maia woke up in the middle of the night, a fever raging through her body. Her leg was red, swollen, and incredibly painful. After a visit to the hospital, the National Post reports that Maia was diagnosed with a rare bacterial infection called necrotizing fasciitis. 

Maia’s Story

You may have heard this infection being referred to in the news as a “flesh-eating infection” or “flesh-eating disease.” It spreads rapidly and results in soft tissue death throughout the body. By the time Maia reached the hospital, she was already suffering from pneumonia. Without treatment, Maia could have lost her leg—and potentially her life. Luckily, doctors were able to perform three different operations on Maia. She remains in recovery. 

Maia’s story stands as an important reminder that people must not put aside health concerns while on vacation. When we are on vacation, we tend to eat new foods, test our adventurous spirit through new activities, or hike or swim in unknown waters. People relax with a cocktail by the pool or luxuriate in the hot tub. 

But if you scrape your skin, or have open wounds, any of these activities can be dangerous. In most cases, group A Streptococcus causes necrotizing fasciitis. This bacteria invades the body via cuts, scratches, scrapes, insect bites, burns, or even surgical wounds. People with diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, liver cirrhosis, or other conditions which cause someone to be immune-compromised are at a heightened risk of contracting this bacteria.

You can protect yourself against necrotizing fasciitis. First, do not go swimming or enter into a hot tub with any skin infections or open wounds. Next, wash your hands frequently. Also clean and sanitize any injuries that break the skin. Finally, if you are on vacation or any other kind of trip and notice any health issues, pursue medical attention. You know your body. If something isn’t right, seek out care. 

A Brief Overview: Necrotizing Fasciitis 

As described above, necrotizing fasciitis is a rare bacterial infection which, despite treatment interventions, is fatal in around 20% of cases. Although the bacteria which causes this infection typically enters through skin breaks, it can also enter the body through blunt force trauma. Once infected, necrotizing fasciitis spreads quickly. Symptoms and complications include:

• A red and swollen area of skin that later spreads with the infection
• Severe pain
• Fever
• Severe fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Ulcers, black spots, or blisters on the skin
• Changes in skin color
• Dizziness
• Oozing or pus from the infected area 
• Shock
• Sepsis
• Organ failure

Immediate treatment is crucial to managing necrotizing fasciitis. Treatment options include antibiotics, blood transfusions, and surgery.