Flesh-eating bacteria no cause for panic, experts say

May 24, 2012 (WLS) -- We've been hearing a lot about the flesh eating disease, but experts say it is no cause for panic.

Researchers say only about 10,000-12,000 cases are reported a year in the U.S., so it is relatively rare

Flesh-eating bacteria occurs when certain types of bacteria penetrate the skin and then invade the blood system, eventually eating away at muscle and fat tissue.

Scientists say most of the time infection will begin and abort very quickly as the body's immune system is sufficient to terminate it.

The good news is these infections respond well to a variety of antibiotics. However, they add, any minor infection which progresses and becomes red and swollen should be brought to a doctor's attention.

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