‘Flesh-Eating’ Bacteria Infect Man at River

A man walking along the American River contracted potentially fatal “flesh-eating” bacteria after his leg was punctured by a branch.

Steve Passal, 30, survived after surgeons removed infected parts of his right leg. Health officials said Wednesday it was unclear exactly what caused his ailment.

Group A Streptococcus is a common bacterium found in the throat and on the skin, and can cause strep throat and impetigo.

But sometimes the bacteria can cause more serious diseases, such as the “flesh-eating” necrotizing fasciitis. The aggressive disease destroys skin and muscle.