'Flesh-Eating' Bacteria Hits Home

A Cartersville man is fighting the same deadly bacteria as the University of West Georgia grad student whose severe case has made headlines across the country.

Landscaper Bobby Vaughn, 32, who also contracted the "flesh-eating bacteria," is recovering after five surgeries, CBS Atlanta reports. Despite a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis, Vaughn in good spirits, reports.

Necrotizing fasciitis is one of the two most severe, but least common, forms of invasive disease that result when Group A Strep, often found in the throat and on the skin, is introduced to parts of the body in which bacteria usually aren't found, such as the blood, muscle or the lungs, according to the CDC. The rapidly progressive disease destroys muscles, fat and skin tissue.

Vaughn sustained a cut on his side after he fell from a tree at work, Fox 5 reports.

Most Group A Strep infections are relatively mild illnesses, such as "strep throat," or impetigo, according to the CDC. Across the country each year, health officials record several million cases of strep throat and impetigo.

In contrast, about 9,000 to 11,500 cases of invasive disease occur each year in the United States, which result in 1,000 to 1,800 deaths annually. Necrotizing fasciitis comprises an average of about 6 to 7 percent of these invasive cases.

What are your thoughts and feelings on "flesh-eating bacteria," a rare bacterial infection, following media coverage of cases in Georgia? Are you fearful or more aware? Is there too much "media hype" on the few cases in Georgia? Tell us in the comments.