The term flesh-eating has been used because the bacterial infection produces toxins that destroy tissues such as muscles, skin, and fat. If these particular kinds of bacteria enter humans, via a wound or sore skin, it can destroy the area infected within hours, and rapidly spread throughout the body, requiring amputation to stop the bacteria from spreading to other parts of the body. In many cases, the bacteria could cause death. The type of bacteria that destroys flesh can mostly be found in dirty, stagnant, warmish waters.