‘Flesh-Eating’ Bacteria Confirmed At Gillette Hospital

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — Campbell County Memorial Hospital confirms three cases of invasive Group A Streptococcus, also known as flesh-eating bacteria.

According to the Associated Press, the hospital disclosed the cases Friday. All three cases occurred in the past six weeks.

Hospital spokeswoman Karen Clarke says patient privacy rules prevent her from commenting on the patients' condition. She says the three patients are no longer at the hospital.

Hospital CEO Bob Morasko would not comment on whether anyone died from the bacteria, citing advice from legal counsel not to comment. He says state health officials have been notified.

Usually any illness that results from Strep A is mild, with symptoms such as a sore throat. The bacteria can become life-threatening if they get into the blood stream, muscles or lungs.

The hospital is planning a community education session this week to answer questions about Strep A illnesses, with Dr. Christopher Brown, Infectious Disease specialist.

More information is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.