An Indianapolis woman tragically passed away after her family said she contracted a flesh-eating bacterial infection during a vacation in Florida. Despite seeking medical treatment twice, Carol Martin, 50, was not diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis—a severe bacterial infection that rapidly spreads and destroys soft tissue—until she was admitted to the emergency room.
Delayed Diagnosis and Medical Struggles
Carol Martin first noticed an infection on her buttocks upon returning home from Florida in February. Initially about the size of a nickel, the infection caused her severe pain, prompting multiple visits to doctors. Her husband, Richard Martin, explained that she was sent home with antibiotics and a heating pad, but her condition worsened.
“In the emergency room, they said, ‘We are sorry, but she has a flesh-eating bacterial infection. We must rush her to surgery immediately,’” Richard recalled.
Aggressive Treatment and Tragic Outcome
Following her diagnosis, Carol underwent two major surgeries and spent 16 days in the intensive care unit. Although doctors eventually allowed her to return home, the infection had taken a severe toll on her body. Two months after her initial symptoms appeared, she succumbed to complications related to the disease.
Investigation and Precautions
Health officials in Marion County, Florida, are analyzing tissue samples to determine if the bacteria was a contributing factor in her death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies necrotizing fasciitis as a life-threatening condition that spreads rapidly. To minimize the risk of infection, the CDC recommends:
Keeping wounds clean and covered
Avoiding contact with contaminated water
Seeking immediate medical attention for unusual redness, swelling, or pain around wounds
Seeking Legal Answers
Carol Martin’s family is now pursuing legal assistance to investigate whether medical professionals could have diagnosed and treated her condition earlier. Richard Martin believes that a more timely diagnosis could have saved his wife’s life.
This heartbreaking case serves as a reminder of the dangers of necrotizing fasciitis and the importance of early detection and treatment.