Woman Dies Of Hurricane Harvey Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infection

A woman has died after contracting a deadly flesh-eating bacteria infection as a result of Hurricane Harvey. 

Autopsy results confirm that Nancy Reed, 77, died as a result of necrotizing faciitis – a serious bacterial infection that destroys tissue under the skin.

Khou.com reports: To say Nancy Reed loved her community would be an understatement. Those who knew her say she was an avid donor and longtime volunteer, both with her church and several non-profit organizations.

She was heavily involved in one non-profit in particular, Village Learning and Achievement Center, an educational center for adults and children with disabilities.

They say Reed has been involved with the village for 11 years and attends every fundraising event they sponsor. They say losing her has been and will continue to be very difficult.

“God has gained an amazing angel. That’s what I would say, and we’re going to miss her,” said administrative specialist Tina Tilea.

“It was difficult to learn because we saw her a lot, very often, at all of our events, and like I said, she would stop by a lot and drop off things and come visit,” development manager Erica Badamo said.

The center says they hope to dedicate a bench in honor of Nancy Reed.

According to the Harris County Institute for Forensic Science, Reed came in contact with the bacteria in the floodwaters.

The CDC says the infection is rare, but if contracted, it can be deadly in a very short amount of time. They say if you think you have any symptoms of necrotizing faciitis, you should seek medical help immediately.

But the symptoms can some times be confusing, and are similar to those of a pulled muscle. But the skin may be warm with red or purplish areas of swelling that spread rapidly.

Later symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue and vomiting.

The CDC says since 2010, approximately 700 to 1100 cases occur each year in the United States.