Flesh Eating Virus

[mikeymedic1984]

Three cases in GA this month, probably not a statiscal anomaly, but what do you guys to protect yourselves, is normal PPE enough ?

http://news.yahoo.com/georgia-woman-flesh-eating-disease-critical-condition-201616109.html

[ERDoc]

A few things:

1. This is old news

2. It is a bacteria, not a virus, that casuses necrotizing fasciitis.

3. There are between 500 and 1500 cases of necfasc each year, meaning 10-30 cases per state per year. That breaks down to about 1-3 per state per month.

The media loves sensationalism and that is what they've done with this case. It's horrible what has happened to this girl but it is far from newsworthy.

Edit: How would this change your use/perception of PPE? It has nothing to do with PPE.

Edited June 3, 2012 by ERDoc

[paramedicmike]

What's more is that it's caused by a fairly common bacteria. Strep pyogenes is the most common cause of necfasc. Strep pyogenes is also one of the most common causes of pharyngitis. It's something to which we're all most likely exposed on a daily basis.

[Kiwiology]

What a shame such a microbe does not migrate two states north ... I know the perfect victim

[ERDoc]

Who lives in Kentucky?

[Kiwiology]

The Colonel although the bastard wasnt there when I went to get some of his fried chicken

OK I meant three states ... and you reckon I am smart?

[ERDoc]

Not at all, as you have only gotten yourself to Indiana or Ohio.

[Kiwiology]

I may happen to dislike certain inhabitants of Hoosierland

I am staying south of Mittenworld, who the hell would want to live there?

[ERDoc]

Someone who didn't know better.

[Arctickat]

We just transported a patient for that a couple of weeks ago. I did my best to avoid licking his foot.