Florida Man Gets Bit Breaking Up a Family Brawl, Gets a Flesh Eating Disease and Nearly Loses a Leg

In a shocking turn of events, a family dispute took a horrific turn when a Florida man contracted a severe flesh-eating bacterial infection after being bitten by a relative during a fight. Donnie Adams of Tampa Bay found himself facing a life-threatening situation after what initially seemed like a harmless injury.

Following the altercation, Adams noticed a small, painful bump on his right thigh where he had been bitten. Believing it to be a minor wound, he sought medical attention and received a tetanus shot and antibiotics. However, his condition rapidly deteriorated within just three days.

Struggling to walk, Adams returned to the hospital, where he was immediately rushed into emergency surgery at Florida Northside Hospital in St. Petersburg. The extent of the infection was shocking. Wound care specialist Fritz Brink made incisions that revealed rotting flesh from Adams' knee to his groin, with approximately 70% of the affected tissue requiring removal.

The flesh-eating bacteria, known as necrotizing fasciitis, poses a significant threat to surrounding muscles and nerves. Although commonly associated with tropical climates and waterborne infections, doctors had never encountered a case that could be traced back to a human bite.

Brink explained that human mouths provide an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, making a human bite even dirtier than a dog bite in terms of the bacteria it can introduce. Had Adams delayed seeking further treatment, the infection could have spread to his abdomen, potentially leading to septic shock, a life-threatening condition.

Adams, who tragically lost his brother to septic shock, recognized the seriousness of his situation. His timely return to the hospital saved his leg from further damage. After three weeks of surgery and six months of additional treatment, Adams is on the path to recovery. Despite scars and occasional pain, he maintains a positive attitude and attributes his healing to prayer and meditation.

Throughout his ordeal, Adams found support from the medical staff, including Brink, who continued treating him even after insurance coverage ended. The family, despite the previous conflict, has since reconciled, expressing remorse for the events that unfolded.

While Adams continues to deal with the aftermath of this harrowing experience, he remains grateful for the doctors and their efforts to save his leg. His story serves as a reminder of the unexpected dangers that can arise from seemingly minor injuries and the importance of seeking timely medical attention.