Flesh-eating bacteria found on Central America migrant in Border Patrol custody
LORDSBURG, N.M. (KDBC) - A man who was in Border Patrol custody had to be treated for a flesh-eating bacteria.
The migrant who was already in custody at the Lordsburg, N.M. Border Patrol station told an agent Thursday about a growing rash he had.
He was taken to a medical facility for evaluation. Officials said hospital staff diagnosed him with a flesh-eating bacteria. They said he needed more extensive treatment.
“We’re seeing for example, chicken pox, different strands of influenza, syphilis, scabies. This is something that we see with the illegal aliens and we have to provide treatment for them,” said Carlos Antúnez with U.S. Customs and Border Protections.
On the same day, a large group crossed illegally at the southern New Mexico border, said a Border Patrol official.
A group of 306 migrants crossing illegally were taken into custody by border patrol agents working at Camp Bounds Forward Operating Base at the Antelope Wells Port of Entry.
This group consisted mostly of Central American families and unaccompanied juveniles, they said.
Some of the juveniles were in need of immediate medical assistance and were taken to local hospitals for treatment of various illnesses and injuries.
The majority of the group was taken to the Lordsburg Station for continued processing.
It was then that agents learned about the man with the growing rash on his leg.
Officials said this is the 26th group consisting of more than 100 people since the beginning of the fiscal year in this area alone.
Criminal organizations smuggling these groups of people continue to take advantage of them in order to enhance their illicit activities without due regard to the risks to human life. According to BP, in most cases, these smugglers never cross the border themselves and risk apprehension.
