Necrotizing fasciitis can be caused by more than one type of bacteria — in this case, it was group A streptococcus. According to the CDC, 9,000 to 11,500 cases of group A streptococcus occur in the United States every year. The bacteria can cause mild illnesses, such as strep throat or impetigo, as well as more serious illnesses, such as necrotizing fasciitis or streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Necrotizing fasciitis destroys muscles, fat and skin tissue.
In the United States, about one out of four patients with necrotizing fasciitis caused by group A strep die, according to the CDC. It can be treated with intravenous antibiotics, and often surgery is required to remove dead tissue.
The California boy was rushed to urgent care after the finger he cut on the helmet became swollen. He was then taken to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, Calif., where he underwent hand surgery. He has been discharged from the hospital.
The school has since cleaned all football equipment using hospital-grade disinfectant wipes, according to the report.
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