A 38 year old man from Lampang province died aboard a bus during a trip from Nakhon Ratchasima to Chiang Mai, with autopsy results now revealing the shocking cause of death—flesh-eating bacteria.
The man was found lifeless when the bus arrived at Lampang Bus Terminal yesterday, June 16, his left leg bruised and bleeding. Initial investigations showed no signs of assault, and the doctor suggested a chronic disease might be to blame. However, the detailed autopsy results confirmed a far more sinister cause: necrotising fasciitis, a deadly infection caused by flesh-eating bacteria.
Necrotising fasciitis is a severe bacterial infection that affects tissues beneath the skin, including subcutaneous fat, muscles, and fascia. If untreated, it can spread rapidly, destroying tissue and leading to organ failure.
The infection is often caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus, which can enter the body through a small wound or injury.
Once the bacteria enter the skin, they multiply quickly, releasing toxins that destroy tissue and block blood flow, resulting in muscle death. If not treated promptly, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, becoming life-threatening.
The man’s symptoms, which included fever, chills, and shock, align with those typically seen in necrotising fasciitis cases.
This infection is often triggered by accidents, cuts, or injuries, especially those from sharp objects or insect bites. Risk factors also include underlying health conditions like diabetes, cancer, and immune deficiencies, as well as recent chickenpox or steroid use.
Treatment involves immediate medical intervention, including surgery to remove infected tissue. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary to stop the spread of the infection.
To prevent such infections, proper wound care is essential. If injured, it is crucial to clean the wound with clean water, avoid swimming pools or bathtubs, and use sterile equipment for daily wound care, reported KhaoSod.
The tragic incident has sparked renewed awareness about the dangers of necrotising fasciitis, a condition that can escalate rapidly but is preventable with timely medical care and proper hygiene.
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