Cook Islands has not reported any cases of flesh-eating bacteria, but Te Marae Ora (TMO) Ministry of Health is advising the public to practice good hygiene, clean wounds thoroughly, and keep them covered with clean, dry bandages until healed.

There were one or two cases of flesh-eating bacteria in the country in the past but there haven’t been any recently.

Secretary for Health Bob Williams says there have been cases in the past and from their audit in MedTech “there has been no case so far this year”.

When asked how deadly or infectious the bacteria are, Williams said: “It is a medical emergency and potentially fatal if not treated urgently. The patient may lose a limb in order to save the patient’s life.”

Flesh-eating bacteria, medically known as necrotising fasciitis, is a rare but serious bacterial infection that spreads rapidly and rapidly destroys the body’s soft tissue.

Willaims explained that the cases involved bacteria, most commonly Group A Streptococcus (GAS), however other bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium, and Vibrio vulnificus can also be responsible.

The bacteria typically enter the body through breaks in the skin, such as cuts, scrapes, surgical wounds, or insect bites.

Necrotising fasciitis is a medical emergency, so if you or someone you know shows symptoms, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms are early signs – red or swollen skin, often around a cut or scrape, severe pain and swelling, redness, and warmth around the infected area, severe pain that is disproportionate to the injury and fever.

Progressive symptoms include blisters, black spots, or skin discoloration, swelling and tenderness, fatigue and nausea and shock (in extreme cases) blisters, skin discoloration, fever, nausea, and dizziness.

Prevention and public health advice:

·         Good hygiene: Regular hand washing with soap and water is essential to prevent bacterial infections.

·         Clean all wounds thoroughly: Even minor cuts, scrapes, or insect bites should be cleaned with soap and water.

·         Cover wounds: Keep wounds covered with clean, dry bandages until they heal.

·         Avoid contaminated water: If you have open wounds, cuts, or sores, avoid exposure to natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and oceans.

·         Seek medical attention: Any wound that becomes red, swollen, painful, or warm to the touch should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. If you suspect necrotizing fasciitis (especially if pain is severe or out of proportion to the visible injury), go to the emergency room right away. Early treatment can save lives.

·         Manage chronic health conditions: If you have a chronic disease such as diabetes, work with your healthcare provider to keep it under control.

·         Education campaigns: Communities should be informed about the dangers of necrotizing fasciitis, how it can be contracted, and the importance of early medical intervention.