A 27-year-old woman from Cassville is being treated in a Springfield hospital for what doctors think may be necrotizing fasciitis, or “flesh-eating disease.”

According to the woman, whose name is being withheld due to HIPAA, her treatment, so far, has involved multiple intravenous antibiotics and surgery to remove infected and dead tissue from her leg.

Lab cultures to pinpoint the type of bacteria that invaded the subcutaneous tissue in her leg have so far been inconclusive, she said. Her doctors did, however, tell her the bacteria was probably waterborne and possibly entered her skin through a scratch or insect bite.

The woman said she spent much of June 3 swimming in Flat Creek near Jenkins prior to the appearance of her symptoms the following day.

According to a CDC report, while necrotizing fasciitis is extremely rare, it can rapidly become life-threatening if immediate medical treatment is not sought. Intravenous antibiotics and surgery are the first lines of defense.

There are many different bacteria which can cause the disease, which aggressively attacks tissue and muscle below the skin. Health experts believe Group A Streptococcus (Group A Strep) is responsible for most cases.

Individuals should seek medical attention for a wound with a red, warm or swollen area of skin that spreads quickly; if severe pain is present beyond the area of the skin that is red or swollen; or if fever is present.

While anyone can develop necrotizing fasciitis, it is rare. People with compromised immune systems are most susceptible.

To prevent infections, wash hands often and clean and care for wounds.

The CDC advises people with an open wound or skin infection to avoid spending time in hot tubs, swimming pools or natural bodies of water, including lakes and streams.