In rare case, man develops 'flesh-eating' bacterial infection on both legs, but 4 days apart

An illustration of Streptococcus pyogenes, which can cause necrotizing fasciitis, a "flesh-eating" infection. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

A man was recently diagnosed with and treated for a "flesh-eating" bacterial infection in his right leg — only to have it spread to his left leg four days later, according to a new report of the case. 

The 58-year-old man arrived at the University General Hospital Gregorio Marañon in Madrid with severe swelling in his right leg, chest pain and a fever, all potential signs of necrotizing fasciitis, a rare and aggressive bacterial infection that sparks severe inflammation that can cause body tissue to die, or "necrotize."