Nearly two months after Hurricane Harvey hit southeast Texas, the storm claimed another life. Josue Zurita, a 31-year-old father and carpenter, died after contracting a rare flesh-eating bacterial infection—necrotizing fasciitis—during hurricane response and clean up.
In September, a 77-year-old woman also died from the same infection. First responder J.R. Atkins contracted the infection, as well, from kayaking through floodwaters to save residents, but survived. The infection likely entered their bodies through open wounds.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, necrotizing fasciitis can be deadly quickly. The bacterial skin infection kills the body’s soft tissue. It can make the skin warm and turn it red or purple, as well as cause fever, chills, fatigue and vomiting. People with these symptoms are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention.
