False Internet Report about Bananas

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CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

NEWS RELEASE

February 10, 2000

False Internet Report about Bananas

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Infectious

Diseases states that the current email rumor circulating about Costa Rican

bananas causing the disease 'necrotizing fasciitis' is false.

We have not heard any reports of cases of necrotizing fasciitis associated with

bananas. There is no evidence that necrotizing fasciitis is transmitted by food.

The bacteria which most commonly cause necrotizing fasciitis live in the human

body. The usual route of transmisson for these bacteria is from person to

person.

The CDC Press Office has issued a notice at our website.

If you would like more information about necrotizing fasciitis, you might wish

to check our website here. Look under " Group A Streptococcus " which is the most

common cause of necrotizing fasciitis.