N.J. Man Infected By Flesh-Eating Bacteria While Crabbing

July 20, 2018 - 5:00 pm

MAURICE RIVER, N.J. (WCBS 880) -- A New Jersey man will likely have to undergo amputation after contracting a rare flesh-eating bacterial infection while crabbing.

As WCBS 880’s Kelly Waldron reported, Angel Perez, 60, has gone crabbing off Matt’s Landing in Maurice River more times than he can count. On July 2, he went to his usual spot, but the next day, he suffered severe pain and swelling near some scrapes on his leg.

His daughter, Dilena Perez-Dilan, told NJ Advance Media he contracted a rare flesh-eating bacterial infection.

The bacterium is known as Vibrio vulnificus, CBS Philadelphia reported. It is common to warm, brackish water, but is usually only a concern when eating raw shellfish.

Cumberland County, New Jersey Health Officer Megan Sheppard told CBS Philadelphia that a complication from such an infection is that it can spread through the bloodstream and cause necrotizing fasciitis, which Perez got.

Perez remains hospitalized and will likely lose some of his toes and all of his fingertips.

Kidney function is also a concern, so he has been on dialysis.

At one point, the family was concerned that Perez would lose three or all of his limbs, so they are taking the latest news as progress.