Posted on 07/21/2007 5:07:08 AM PDT by Ninian Dryhope
Nacogdoches man was infected by flesh-eating organisms while at Crystal Beach
The 58-year-old Nacogdoches man who was infected by flesh-eating bacteria after swimming at Crystal Beach is improving, his wife said Friday, and doctors expect to be able to save his leg.
"He's doing better, but still not communicating," Linda Gilpatrick said of her husband, Steve.
Gilpatrick was infected with a bacterium called Vibrio vulnificus after swimming during a July 8 fishing trip in Galveston County. The infection quickly developed into necrotizing fasciitis, a potentially fatal tissue-destroying disease.
Vibrio vulnificus, which is in the same family as the bacterium that causes cholera, lives in saltwater and thrives during warm summer months, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can enter the body through an open cut or sore, but infections are rare and usually affect only people with weakened immune systems, such as those with diabetes or chronic liver disease.
Gilpatrick, a diabetic, had an ulcer that he thought was nearly healed on his lower leg when he went swimming. The bacterium entered through the wound, then infected his bloodstream.
He had three surgeries at John Sealy Hospital in Galveston to remove infected tissue, but doctors feared earlier this week that they might have to amputate his leg.
Now they think they can save it, his wife said. Gilpatrick remains in critical but stable condition.
"I'm just hoping that, within the next day or two, I'll be able to get him to talk to me at least for a minute," she said. "That's something I've missed."
Still, I will keep a look out for infections after going swimming.
I understand Mexico is simply dumping raw sewage straight into the open waters. US is contemplating building them a sewage treatment facility. This location was in Tijuana however not near Texas.
Good grief. Prayers for that poor man.
“Still, I will keep a look out for infections after going swimming.”
look for open cuts ahead of time...
The problem seems to related to wounds.
I’ve seen people get dust from a trail into a wound, and have the same problem.
This is a nasty problem.
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