Hurricane Harvey, one of the most violent in the United States, hit Texas in August, causing 82 dead in this state. Among the victims, Nancy Reed, 77. This former teacher did not die during the hurricane, but on September 15, due to a “flesh-eating” bacteria caused by the natural disaster.
A wound that became infected on contact with water
While in her son’s flooded home in Harris County, Nancy Reed fell, during which she injured her arm. Due to the contaminated water, her wound quickly became infected and she was admitted to Memorial Hermann, a hospital in The Woodlands, before being transferred to Texas. Houston Medical Center, where she died. Nancy Reed actually suffered from necrotic fasciitis. It’s about a infection of the skin and deep subcutaneous tissue that spreads quickly and is mainly caused by the streptococcus Abut also by other bacteria such as Vibrio vulnificus, Clostridium perfringens or Bacteroides fragilis. These bacteria are also called “flesh-eating bacteria”.
Other victims?
After the hurricanes that hit the United States recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released information sheetsFor the general public. “Flood water can contain dangerous bacteria from sewage overflows and agricultural and industrial waste (…) If you have open cuts or sores and they are exposed to flood water, keep them as clean as possible by washing them with soap and applying antibiotic ointment to prevent infection, “one reads.
Nancy Reed is not the only one to contract necrosis fasciitis after Hurricane Harvey. JR Atkins, a resident of Missouri City, was also affected by this infection but was able to be cured. Another person is also suspected of having contracted the disease in Aransas County, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
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