Girl, 12, is lucky to be alive after contracting 'flesh-eating' bacteria

A 12-year-old girl who complained of muscle aches in her leg after a day at the beach was diagnosed with flesh-eating bacteria, a life-threatening infection that carries slim odds of survival.

Kylei Brown, of Indiana, was on vacation in Florida with her family when she started to feel pain in her calf.

It persisted, and by the time they got home, her leg was swollen and she had a fever.

Her mom, Michelle, took her to the doctor, who said this was an emergency situation, fearing a blood clot.

'When they told me we needed to go home and pack bags and get to Riley, my anxiety went from 0 to 110,' Brown told Fox 59. 'I knew something was wrong.' 

In the ER, they were dealt the horrifying news that this could be far worse than a blood clot: Kylei had contracted necrotizing fasciitis, a type of bacteria that eats away at flesh and muscles with such speed that only 10 percent of sufferers survive, and many require multiple amputations. 

Kylei was lucky: she endured numerous surgeries, and now has a gaping gash on her leg, but she is alive and recovering without amputations. 

Kylei Brown, pictured with her mom Michelle, contracted life-threatening bacteria on a beach in Florida during a vacation

Kylei Brown, pictured with her mom Michelle, contracted life-threatening bacteria on a beach in Florida during a vacation

The 12-year-old was in hospital for a week as doctors in her home state of Indiana battled to save her life

The 12-year-old was in hospital for a week as doctors in her home state of Indiana battled to save her life

Necrotizing fasciitis, more commonly known as 'flesh-eating disease', is a rare but extremely vicious bacterial infection. 

There are 500 to 1,500 cases reported a year, but 20 to 25 percent of victims die. 

'Necrotizing' refers to something that causes body tissue to die, and the infection can destroy skin, muscles and fat.

The disease develops when the bacteria enters the body, often through a minor cut or scrape. As the bacteria multiply, they release toxins that kill tissue and cut off blood flow to the area.

Because it is so virulent, the bacteria spreads rapidly throughout the body.

Symptoms include small, red lumps or bumps on the skin, rapidly-spreading bruising, sweating, chills, fever and nausea. Organ failure and

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