“Bandila”, a late news program of
ABS- CBN network broke its silence after the controversial report about the
spreading flesh- eating bacteria in Pangasinan turned out to be clad. Bandila
Anchor Julius Babao said last Tuesday, that it was not their intention to scare
the people about, rather they just want to inform them about it.
On February 24, the program aired
the report of Jasmine Romero, who was geared with mask and protective suite
while interviewing two patients from Villasis and Santa Barbara in Pangasinan.
She described them having “decaying” skin due to the “mysterious disease”. In
this report, she said that a flesh- eating bacteria is slowly spreading in
Pangasinan.
But, Provincial Health Officer Anna
De Guzman said that it is not true since the case studies suffer from other
skin disease. She confirmed that the patient from Villasis is a leper who
suffers from adverse drug reaction while the other patient from Santa Barbara
was ailed with psoriasis.
Speculations also said that this
might be from the prophecy of a self proclaimed Indian Prophet on 2010 in which
he said that a flesh eating bacteria will spread in Pangasinan.
Yes, it is indeed a serious
disease, but no, it’s not contagious just like what the reports say.
Flesh- eating bacteria is a term
popularized by media which refers to a disease called necrotizing faciitis.
This bacterial infection targets the fascia, a layer just below our skin and
spread along the flat tissues.
Necrotizing Faciitis may be caused
by bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes. This bacteria is a member of group A
Streptococci which commonly causes sore throat (pharyngitis) and the toxic
shock syndrome which is also a rare condition. Members of group A streptococci
result to mild infections and mostly, they do not even produce symptoms.
Patients who contracted necrotizing
faciitis may suffer from symptoms like swelling, redness and pain on the
affected area. Blisters may show on the skin. Vomiting, nausea and fever and
other flulike symptoms may also be felt. On the onset of the bacteria, a wound
would allow it to target fascia and after 24 hours the bacteria have completely
invaded it. the pain is described as more than that of the appearance of the
wound. Late symptoms may include the decaying of the skin (gangrene), scalling,
discoloration and peeling of the skin.
The disease may be treated with
antibiotics. Early treatment is critical. Intensive Care Unit (ICU), when
hospitalized is required. Surgery to remove the skin or the layer may also be
an option.
According to the Department of
Health (DOH), Philippines has no cases yet of patients who contracted with
flesh eating bacteria; and now that the news spread regarding this “mysterious
disease”, DOH is trying its best to educate Filipinos regarding the truth about
this disease.
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