Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Surge in cases of flesh-eating disease, study shows

Updated at 6:14 pm on 27 September 2011

Calls are being made for the Government to respond to rising rates of serious infectious diseases, with the number of cases of a flesh-eating disease increasing seven-fold in 15 years.

An associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Otago who co-authored a study into necrotising fasciitis says it has a 20% fatality rate and if not treated can kill in just a day or two.

Michael Baker's study found that cases of the severe bacterial infection increased from fewer than 10 in 1990 to more than 70 in 2006. Of 812 cases during the period, 148 were fatal.

Dr Baker says necrotising fasciitis is now comparable to meningitis - with four times the risk of death.

He warns a small break in the skin or surgery can introduce bacteria into tissue. Anyone suffering severe pain and fever following even a small wound should see a doctor immediately.

Dr Baker says the Government needs to look at the sky-rocketing rate of serious infectious diseases which he believes are caused by rising inequality and poverty.

The study found that Maori and Pacific Island people, older people - particularly those with diabetes - and men are the most vulnerable to necrotising fasciitis.

Listen to Checkpoint interview with Michael Baker

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