Tests prove Botanic Gardens lake is safe after man’s rare bacteria death
Ben Smith-Crallan (37) sadly died in June after being placed in an induced coma and having a leg amputated as part of attempts to fight off the effects of a necrotising fasciitis (NF) bug.
A spokesman for Sefton Council said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Smith-Crallan’s family at what must be a very difficult time.
“After being contacted about this unfortunate incident, we passed the details to Public Health England who reviewed this particular case. They advised us that Group A streptococcus is commonly transmitted person-to-person and circulates within the community and is not associated with contact of intact skin with water sources.
“Sustaining a cut, however, is a route of entry for infections such as Group Strep A. Public Health England’s advice is that it is important to clean wounds to prevent any infection from developing.
“As a council we have conducted stringent testing of Botanic Gardens lake and all results confirm the water quality is of an acceptable standard for a water body that is not used by the public.”
Sister to run race in memory of much loved Southport man Ben
The sister of a man who died from a flesh eating bug is running 5k in his memory.
Nina Thomas is taking part in the Liverpool 5k fun run next month in memory of her brother Ben Smith-Crallan who died from necrotising fasciitis and septic shock from an infected cut.
NF arises most often spontaneously (without prior cause) in people living in the community and often in previously perfect health. Cuts or grazes to the skin may be a source, but such damage may be trivial or may go unnoticed.
Nina said “Ben Smith-Crallan is my older brother who died from the effects of Necrotising Fasciitis on the 15th June 2018. He was only 37 years old.”
“We’re pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone and will continue to do so for one reason only. Ben.”
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