Woman Dies of Flesh-Eating Bacteria From Harvey Floodwaters

By Evann Gastaldo

September 27, 2017

A Texas woman fell into Hurricane Harvey floodwaters at her son's home and ended up dead from flesh-eating bacteria. 

Nancy Reed, 77, is the second known person to contract flood-related necrotizing fascitis after Harvey, the Houston Chronicle reports. She died Sept. 15, but the Harris County medical examiner's office just ruled on her cause of death. 

The quick-spreading infection, which can cause organ failure and death in a short amount of time, also hit rescuer JR Atkins while he was helping his neighbors; he contracted it through an insect bite but survived.

Read the full story on Newser.com

More From Newser
Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.