FLESH EATING BACTERIA

Hadish, Cindy (2004) ‘C.R. teacher recovering from flesh eating bacteria” THE GAZETTE, August 31, p. 1a.

In a period of 2 years, 2 teachers in Cedar Rapids, Iowa had been attacked by what’s commonly known as flesh eating bacteria. Once it starts, the bacteria rapidly destroy one’s body. The most viable option at the time of this writing is to remove the infected area. This may mean a foot, leg, hip or hand. It takes a number of surgeries and one is left with a limb.

Julie Cain who is on the staff of Washington High School in Cedar Rapids lost her foot to the bacteria. John  Sells in 2002, a teacher at Regis Middle school lost his leg and hip to the infection. Sells teaches language arts and Cain instructs Japanese language. Both have recovered and live normal or near normal lives. About 540 cases were reported to the Center for Disease Control Center last year.

If you believe that you have this infection, don’t wait. Go directly to your closest emergency room. Fleshing eating bacteria is rare, but not an urban legend. It really exists and can be conquer during the early stages.

Prosthetic devices can help after surgery and rehab. Cosmetic surgery is also viable.