Georgia man is the fifth to contract flesh eating bacteria in Florida

Panama City Beach, Fla. — A Georgia man is recovering after he contracted a flesh-eating bacteria while vacationing in Panama City Beach, Fla., earlier this month.

Tony Meredith, told reporters he began experiencing flu-like symptoms five days after he returned home from his annual family trip to the popular beach town.

He was initially diagnosed with a kidney infection, but headed straight to the Emergency Room when his leg turned purple.

Doctors diagnosed him with necrotizing fasciitis, more commonly known as a flesh-eating bacteria which kills the body’s soft tissue.

He was told he contracted the disease in the water at Panama City Beach, through a tiny scratch below his knee.

Meredith says he is facing a four-week recovery period.

He is the fifth person to have contracted the flesh-eating bacteria in the Florida Gulf this summer, one woman died from the disease.

The Centers for Disease Control says the most deadly form, necrotizing fasciitis, is rare,  with just 20,000 cases a year and the chances of contracting it is unlikely.

They also caution that prompt care is important and say you should seek medical care immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• A red or swollen area of skin that spreads quickly
• Severe pain, including pain beyond the area of the skin that is red or swollen
• Fever

The CDC says common sense and good wound care are the best ways to prevent a bacterial skin infection.

They suggest the following:

• Clean all minor cuts and injuries that break the skin (like blisters and scrapes) with soap and water.
• Clean and cover draining or open wounds with clean, dry bandages until they heal.
• See a doctor for puncture and other deep or serious wounds.
• Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if washing is not possible.
• Care for fungal infections like athlete's foot.

If you have an open wound or skin infection, avoid spending time in:

• Hot tubs
• Swimming pools
• Natural bodies of water (e.g., lakes, rivers, oceans)