Necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as flesh eating disease, has affected another person. A 46-year-old man is undergoing treatment for necrotizing fasciitis. This has been the second flesh eating disease case in one and a half week.

The first case was fatal, claiming the life of Richard Montague. Complications caused by the infection led to Montague’s sudden and untimely death.

Despite the proximity of the deaths, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Allen Heimann affirms that there is no relation between the two cases. Windsor Regional Hospital spokesperson says that the second patient came in with the disease several days ago and is now stable.

The disease is caused by Group A streptococcus bacteria or GAS. It is infrequent for GAS to turn into necrotizing fasciitis, however some groups of people are vulnerable to the infection.

The high risk group comprises people with weak immune systems, chronic heart, lung or liver disease, and those in close contact with patients of necrotizing fasciitis. GAS may infiltrate, blood, muscle and fat tissue and when it does so it is called invasive GAS.

GAS infections are treatable if they are detected early. Its major indicators consist of high fever as well as red, painful swelling around the site of a small wound. Heimann says that people should be aware of the symptoms and take prompt treatment if a wound starts to swell or redden.