Capital Health officials have confirmed that a hospital patient contracted a case of necrotizing fasciitis, otherwise known as flesh-eating bacteria.

The bacteria is an extremely rare illness which causes tissue damage that can lead to death.

Everton McLean, communications for Capital Health, said they cannot release any details about the case, including whether or not the patient has survived or how he or she contracted it.

He did say there are no current cases.

The bacteria comes from a group called invasive group A strep, which does not always lead to necrotizing fasciitis.

Since January of 2013, there were 14 cases of invasive group A strep, one of which developed into flesh-eating bacteria.

"Which is not surprising because of the nature of the bacteria. It is something that exists in the community from time to time," he said.

When a patient is identified as having invasive Group A strep, McLean said contact and droplet precautions are taken for 24 hours after the administration of antibiotics.

There are 90 to 200 cases of necrotizing fasciitis each year, according to Capital Health.