Necrotizing fasciitis

Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious but rare infection of the deeper layers of skin and subcutaneous tissues (fascia). Many types of bacteria can cause necrotizing fasciitis (eg. Group A streptococcus, Vibrio vulnificus, Clostridium perfringens, Bacteroides fragilis), of which Group A streptococcus is the most common cause.

Well-known victims

• Lucien Bouchard, former Quebec premier, who became infected while leader of the federal official opposition Bloc Québécois party. He lost a leg to the illness.
• Eric Allin Cornell, winner of the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physics, who lost his left arm and shoulder to the disease in 2004.
• Melvin Franklin, bass singer for The Temptations. Though Franklin's condition was diagnosed early enough to prevent complete amputation of his arm, he died from other health complications soon afterward in 1995.
• Gary Wheeler, father of two children. Died in 1997.