Doctors Remove 25% of Florida Man's Skin After He Contracts Flesh-Eating Bacteria

A Florida man has had over 25% of his skin removed after he contracted flesh-eating bacteria.

David Ireland, 50, was initially admitted to the hospital in Orlando, Florida, last week after he arrived complaining of flu-like symptoms.

But his illness quickly progressed and he was ultimately diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis. 

“He was in the ER and then all of a sudden they’ve got him in the operating room,” his brother, Daniel Ireland, told the Miami Herald. 

Since then, David has undergone three surgeries, with doctors removing a quarter of the skin from his body, according to a GoFundMe page created by Daniel. While his kidneys are failing, his blood pressure has stabilized, offering some small hope to the family. 

It's not clear how David contracted the bacteria. His brother said he just swims in the pool at his condo, never oceans or lakes, where the bacteria is typically found. 

“David is still in a life-threatening situation, but there are some small victories every day," David's wife, Jody Ireland, posted on the fundraiser page. "I miss my best friend very much and pray every day that God will spare his life and bring him back home to me and our children."

The page has raised more than $7,000 to help with David's medical expenses.

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