Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month & Day

Proclamation
By the Governor of Alabama
WHEREAS, necrotizing fasciitis was first described within medical literature in 1883 by Fournier and was originally described as a disease of unknown causes; and
WHEREAS, it is an uncommon clinical disease of the layers of tissue under the skin that attracts a high profile within the popular media where it is often referred to as the “flesh eating bug or virus”; and
WHEREAS, the most common causes of the disease are the bacteria group A hemolytic, Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, either alone or in combination; other cases are reported to be caused by other types of bacteria including those naturally found within the intestines of normal healthy individuals; and
WHEREAS, necrotizing fasciitis can occur in any age group, although sometimes there are precipitating factors; it is most commonly associated with surgical procedures, but may be seen in those with diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic vascular disease, malignancy and hypertension; and
WHEREAS, in rare occasions it may occur following minor injuries to the skin, falls, cuts or tears but sometimes it is not apparent and can occur in apparently healthy individuals; and
WHEREAS, though it can affect anywhere on the body, the most common sites for it to involve are the abdomen, arms, legs, extremities, and face particularly around the eyes; and
WHEREAS, while progress has been made in understanding the symptoms and better diagnosing the disease, there is still much to learn about necrotizing fasciitis, but with increased research, the goal of discovering the cause, improving treatment and finding a cure are attainable:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of May 2017, as
Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month
and May 31, 2017, as
Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Day
in the State of Alabama.
Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of May 2017.
Kay Ivey
Governor