MAN DIES OF FLESH-EATING BACTERIA FROM POND IN JULIAN

East County News Service

Photo courtesy of ECM news partner NBC 7

April 18, 2023 (Julian) - An El Cajon handyman who waded into a pond left by rainwater in Julian to retrieve his dog contracted a rare flesh-eating bacteria.

Exposed through a small cut on his arm, 41-year-old Jeff Bova developed necrotizing fasciitis and later died of the infection.

His mother, Susan McIntyre, spoke with NBC 7 in San Diego to warn others to seek help immediately if a cut starts turning red or blistering,  and to stay out of standing water that may contain bacteria.

Her son tried treating the infection himself with antibiotic cream, even after the wound became swollen and oozing. His skin turned warm and purple; he also developed a fever and vomiting.

By the time the infection became so painful that he went to a hospital, it was too late to save him.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, prompt treatment with prescription antibiotics is the only way to treat necrotizing fasciitis.

The infection spreads quickly, and even with treatment, between 25% and 33% of patients with the condition will die.

That’s because the infection destroys muscles, skin and body tissues, ultimately causing sepsis, or blood poisoning.

Fortunately, the condition is rare. On average, less than a thousand cases are documented in people each year in the U.S.

Pets can also develop the life-threatening skin infection, so it’s important to keep pets out of brackish water, especially if they have any exposed wounds or bites.