24 October 2023 , 13:23
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A man had to undergo "amputations in his genital area" after contracting a rare flesh eating bacterial infection and being left at "death's door".
Double amputee Joshua Garrett, from Heber Springs, Arkansas, says he was forced to work two jobs to make ends meet after having "so much trouble" getting his disability support.
In a , he explains this grueling work affected him badly. He wrote: "I overdid it working and contracted a rare flesh eating bacteria from a sore and developed a very rare form of gangrene that attacked my pelvic region."
The infection required drastic medical care and Joshua had to undergo further amputations. He explained: "I had to have some amputations in my genital area. I will have to have several more surgeries for reconstruction and a couple of skin grafts. I was at death's door and was brought back."
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A computer image of deadly flesh eating bacteria (Getty Images/MedicalRF.com)He is now asking for $1,000 to help support him during this difficult time. He writes: "Any donations would be more than appreciated and sorry for the trouble but I will get back to being me and helping others with my story. Thank you all and God bless the money will be used for bills gas and every other resources it takes to get back and forth to my appointments."
Joshua is also asking for help to get a new wheelchair as the one he is using now is giving him sores.
Flesh-eating bacteria is a broad term covering a number of organisms. Necrotizing fasciitis is one of the most common and enters the body through a break in the skin. This can include cuts, burns, surgical wounds and insect bites.
Early symptoms include a red, warm, or swollen area of skin that spreads quickly, severe pain and a fever. If spotted you should see a doctor right away.
Later symptoms include ulcers, blisters, or black spots on the skin, changes of skin colour, oozing puss, dizziness, fatigue and diarrhoea.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "Necrotising fasciitis is a very serious illness that requires care in a hospital. Antibiotics and surgery are typically the first lines of defence if a doctor suspects a patient has necrotising fasciitis."
Another flesh-eating parasite is now "endemic" in both Texas and other southern states across the country, according to new findings by the CDC.
Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoan parasites which are spread by the bite of infected female sandflies, according to research by the World Health Organization (WHO). The disease ravages some of the world’s poorest countries and can be associated with malnutrition, population displacement, poor housing, a weak immune system and lack of financial resources, the health organisation adds.