Texas doctors advise swimmers to avoid water with open wounds to prevent rare necrotizing fasciitis
Health officials warn that open skin injuries can let flesh-eating bacteria enter the body in Gulf, lake and pond water, urging swimmers to take precautions and seek prompt care if symptoms appear.
Health experts in Texas are urging swimmers to stay out of water if they have any open wounds, including cuts, scrapes, razor burns or fresh tattoos, to reduce the risk of necrotizing fasciitis, a rare but serious bacterial infection. The bacteria can be present in both saltwater along the Gulf Coast and freshwater lakes and ponds.
"It’s a very rapidly progressing infection, usually with fever and other systemic symptoms of infection," said Dr. Carrie Bakunas, medical director of emergency services at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.
The infection destroys soft tissue and often requires emergency surgery, sometimes multiple operations and, in severe cases, amputation. Dr. Bakunas noted that individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with diabetes, cancer, or on chemotherapy, are at higher risk.
Officials do not routinely test recreational waters for the bacteria because it occurs naturally in the environment. Swimmers are advised to wash thoroughly after swimming, monitor any wounds for redness, swelling, severe pain, warmth or fever, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen.
The Texas Beach Watch program provides current water-quality information for coastal beaches, but the same precautions apply to inland swimming areas.
