Texas doctors warn swimmers with open wounds of necrotizing fasciitis risk

Dr. Carrie Bakunas of Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, speaking for the Texas Beach Watch program, warned swimmers in Texas to stay out of Gulf, lake and pond water when they have open skin injuries. She explained that cuts, scrapes, razor burns or fresh tattoos can allow the flesh-eating bacterium that causes necrotizing fasciitis to enter the body.

The warning emphasized that both saltwater and freshwater pose a risk for the rapidly progressing infection. Officials urged anyone with symptoms such as severe pain, swelling or fever to seek medical care promptly. The alert was reported by Click2Houston as part of a broader public-health effort to reduce cases of the rare disease.