A Florida man is hospitalized, fighting for his life after contracting flesh-eating bacteria which has already consumed a quarter of his skin, according to news reports.
David Ireland, 50, has undergone three operations to remove more than 25% of his skin due to necrotizing fasciitis and is in critical condition, his family told the Miami Herald.
It's unclear how Ireland contracted the bacteria. His younger brother, Daniel Ireland, told the Herald his brother only swims in the pool at his condo and hasn't been in any lakes, rivers or the ocean, where the bacteria can thrive.
The victim’s wife, Jody Ireland, told Fox News her husband, who is diabetic and more susceptible to the illness, may have contracted the bug through a wound on his leg.
Jody Ireland said in a GoFundMe post that her husband is in a "life-threatening situation" and that she's "praying for a miracle."
Ireland said her husband, a Universal Studios worker, could lose even more of his skin as doctors try to save his life.
Newsweek reported Daniel Ireland also takes blood pressure medicine, which hampers blood flow to his hands and feet.
"Those may be amputated if he even pulls through," Jody Ireland told the publication. "Doctors are optimistic but are still not sure if he will pull through."
Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare and dangerous bacterial infection that spreads quickly and can cause death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The bug, which is usually not contagious, generally enters the body through a break in the skin, including cuts and scrapes, burns, insect bites, puncture wounds and surgical wounds, the CDC reported.
Experts have warned people against swimming in warm and brackish waters with open wounds, as the bacteria tends to thrive in that environment.
