Filipino man loses leg to flesh eating bacteria.

Terry Pareja has had his legs amputated after being infected with a flesh-eating disease in Australia, his family says. He's from the Philippines, was visiting relatives when he became ill a month ago, according to his daughter, Jeffmarey Pareja.

The family believes Mr Pareja's bug was caused by a spider bite, but doctors have said this link is not supported by evidence. "It's eating him alive, literally," Ms Pareja said

"He needs to stay in hospital for about 12 to 18 months."

She said Mr Pareja, 65, had been diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis.

Necrotising fasciitis is caused by a bacterium called Group A streptoccocus (Strep A), which exists in the nose and throat or on the skin of many people without causing harm.

It can be lethal, however, if it gets into an area such as the heart, lungs or muscles through broken skin or damaged tissue.

It then attacks the flesh, which dies causing the rest of the system to go into shock, leading to organ failure.

BBC