Lacey Pepper, a 47-year-old mother of three from Mississippi, is recovering after a severe infection that led to multiple surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation period. Pepper believes she contracted necrotizing fasciitis, a deadly flesh-eating bacterial infection, after consuming undercooked shrimp.
The illness began in April 2024 during a road trip, starting with flu-like symptoms including severe vomiting. By the next day, Pepper experienced intense pain and was unable to move. Her daughter noticed bright red, blister-like spots on her leg, prompting a visit to a primary care doctor who urged immediate hospitalization.
At the hospital, Pepper was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a condition where bacteria rapidly destroy tissues beneath the skin. She underwent emergency surgery to remove dead flesh from her left leg, buttock, and genitals. Doctors informed her the situation was critical, with a risk of death or limb loss.
While the bacteria typically enter the bloodstream through open wounds, Pepper stated she had no cuts. She suspects the infection may have originated from contaminated shellfish, specifically shrimp consumed a week prior to falling ill. Undercooked shellfish can carry Vibrio vulnificus, a common cause of necrotizing fasciitis that thrives in warm coastal waters.
According to CDC data, approximately 700 to 1,300 Americans contract necrotizing fasciitis annually. Vibrio vulnificus has a mortality rate of about 20 percent, increasing to at least 30 percent for individuals with compromised immune systems, and up to 70 percent in severe cases involving sepsis or necrotizing fasciitis. Roughly 80 percent of Vibrio infections stem from contact with seawater, while 20 percent are linked to consuming raw or undercooked seafood.
Pepper's treatment involved 17 operations over two months to reconstruct skin on her leg. She spent 28 days in the hospital followed by a month in a rehabilitation center. The infection resulted in the loss of 25 percent of her left buttock, 25 percent of her upper thigh, and 50 percent of the left side of her genitals. The loss of muscle and soft tissue has required her to relearn how to walk, and she continues to manage significant scarring and uses a cane for mobility.
Health authorities advise caution, recommending that individuals avoid water if they have open wounds and refrain from eating undercooked shellfish. Pepper now emphasizes the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for any concerning skin changes.
