TIMOTHY LAIRD, MD, Chief Medical Officer for Health First Medical Group, appeared on Fox35 News in Orlando to help viewers understand the case of an Indian River Lagoon fisherman who contracted a flesh-eating bacterial infection.

Local fisherman Daniel Richards had no idea the danger he was in when he made a regular fishing trip with a small cut on his hand. But just such a break in the skin is exactly how cases of necrotizing fasciitis are contracted.

The so-called flesh-eating bacteria can lead to swelling and fever – and much more.

“Invasive necrotizing infections spread very quickly and spread widely. It’s not uncommon for these to lead to large tissue disruption leading to amputation or even death.”

In Richards’ case, the swelling got so bad he could not fully close his hand. That’s when he visited a local Emergency Department. Treated with antibiotics, Richards is on the mend and planning to fish again soon, according to the report.

The Centers for Disease Control and Pbobbyrevention (CDC) says 1 in 5 people with necrotizing fasciitis die from the infection. In the face of swelling or redness around an open soar accompanied by a fever, go to a hospital Emergency Department immediately.

READ the full report on Fox35 HERE.