People in the northern province of Nan have been warned to be aware of a flesh-eating disease, which usually spreads during the wet season, after 25 people were treated for the infection at the provincial hospital in July, with one case being admitted to intensive care unit.

A hospital representative said that anyone with cuts on their feet, having waded in muddy water or through a flooded rice field, should immediately clean the wounds with clean water and then apply disinfectant.

The early signs of a flesh-eating infection, or necrotizing fasciitis, is characterized by redness, swelling and pain in the affected area. Blisters may form and a fever, nausea, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms are also common.

People with compromised immune systems or diabetes are more susceptible to the disease.

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF), commonly known as flesh earing disease, is an infection that results in necrosis of the body’s soft tissue.