Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month

WHEREAS, necrotizing fasciitis was first described within medical literature in 1883 by Fournier and was originally described as a disease of unknown cause that caused gangrene or cell death of the scrotum; and

WHEREAS, it is an uncommon clinical disease of the layers of tissue under the skin that attracts a high profile within the popular media where it is often referred to as the "flesh eating bug or virus;" and

WHEREAS, the most common causes of the disease are the bacteria group A hemolytic, Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, either alone or in combination;  other cases are reported to be caused by other types of bacteria including those naturally found within the intestines of normal healthy individuals; and

WHEREAS, necrotizing fasciitis can occur in any age group, although sometimes there are precipitating factors; it is most commonly associated with surgical procedures, but may be seen in those with diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic vascular disease, malignancy and hypertension; and

WHEREAS, in rare occasions it may occur following minor injuries to the skin, falls, cuts or tears but sometimes is not apparent and can occur in apparently healthy individuals; and

WHEREAS, though it can affect anywhere on the body, the most common sites for it to involve are the abdomen, arms, legs, extremities, and face particularly around the eyes; and

WHEREAS, while progress has been made in understanding the symptoms and better diagnosing the disease, there is still much to learn about necrotizing fasciitis, but with increased research, the goal of discovering the cause, improving treatment and finding a cure are attainable:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2012, as

Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month

in the state of Alabama in an effort to raise awareness about the disease.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 8th day of May 2012.

      

Governor Robert Bentley