The medical term for this type of infection is Necrotizing Fasciitis. Since this doesn't sound dramatic the MSM refers to it as "FLESH EATING BACTERIA!" If you want details go to
http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic332.htm.
The single most important statement in this whole article is this: "In the US: Since 1883, more than 500 cases have been reported in the literature."
IMHO, the disease is rare, well understood and eminently treatable. The biggest problem occurs when it is misdiagnosed and proper treatment is not begun in a timely fashion.