HEALTH AWARENESS: Harder Introduces Resolution to Raise Awareness of Necrotizing Fasciitis
Resolution honors wounded warrior Dez Del Barba, a survivor of rare and deadly infection
Early recognition and treatment can mean the difference between life and death
STOCKTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) introduced a resolution to recognize May as Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month and raise awareness of a rare, fast-moving infection that can quickly become a life-threatening emergency. Necrotizing fasciitis is a serious bacterial infection that spreads quickly, can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages, and often requires immediate hospital care, antibiotics, and surgery.
“When a patient says something is wrong, they deserve to be heard,” said Rep. Harder. “Necrotizing fasciitis moves fast, and delayed care can change a life forever. I’m proud to help raise awareness so more families know the warning signs and more patients get the urgent care they need.”
Harder’s resolution will:
Designate May as Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month.
Raise public awareness about the warning signs, risks, and urgency of early treatment while honoring survivors, families, caregivers, and medical professionals impacted by necrotizing fasciitis.
Highlight the need for continued public education so patients and providers can respond quickly.
“I didn’t even know how to pronounce necrotizing fasciitis until it nearly took my son’s life,” said Kamni Del Barba, mother of Dez Del Barba – a retired U.S. Army combat veteran. “What began as untreated Strep A became a fast-moving infection that tore through Dez’s body while warning signs were missed and precious time was lost. Necrotizing fasciitis does not wait. Awareness matters, accountability matters, and compassionate, timely medical care matters. Our family is grateful to Rep. Harder for helping bring attention to this devastating disease and for standing with families who know how urgent this issue is. No family should have to learn these lessons through suffering, permanent injury, or loss.”
“This resolution will help bring needed attention to necrotizing fasciitis where early detection and immediate treatment can save lives,” said Dez Del Barba. “My hope is that this work helps more patients recognize the warning signs and reminds medical providers to listen closely when someone says something is wrong. I’m thankful to Rep. Harder for helping raise awareness of this disease and for working to prevent other families from facing the same devastating consequences.”
Harder introduced the resolution as part of his ongoing work to support veterans and patients who have experienced the devastating consequences of delayed recognition and treatment. The resolution aims to strengthen public awareness, encourage early action, and help ensure that more families understand the warning signs before it is too late.
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