Flesh eating bacteria cases rise in NM

KRQE - In treating open wounds, doctors say it's no longer just a matter of putting a bandage on it and waiting for it to get better. There are some things you need to be aware of and cautious of when treating them. Experts say it's what's introduced into the wound while it's open that can put a person's life at risk. The most common cause of the disease is from streptocaucus, or strep. This can come from something as simple as someone's saliva entering the wound, swimming in unclean water or an animal bite. This is the case with 24 year-old Aimee Copeland from Georgia. According to CBS News, the version that's affecting her is called aeromonas hydrophilia and is commonly found in warm brackish waters. Here in New Mexico, the state department of health says the number of necrotizing fasciitis, or flesh eating bacteria cases have increased in the last 8 years from 9 in 2004 to 17 in 2011. Read More News New Mexico

Flesh eating bacteria cases rise in NM