The Centers for Disease Control stepped in to help stop internet rumors which claimed that Costa Rican bananas were a source of the Group A streptococcus bacteria, the most frequent cause of the life-threatening disease, necrotizing fasciitis. Yet the CDC says there is no institute by that name within their organization. Further, credible health officials do not advise consumers to burn their own flesh. Group A streptococcus is most often found in the throat and on the skin. People may carry the bacteria and have no signs of illness.
Most infections are relatively mild illnesses, such as strep throat or impetigo.
On rare occasions, these bacteria can cause other severe and life-threatening diseases such as necrotizing fasciitis. Early signs and symptoms of the disease include fever, severe pain and swelling and redness at the wound site. Anyone displaying such symptoms should see their physician. Even though the bacteria can be transmitted in foods, the usual route of transmission is from person to person. The Food and Drug Administration and the CDC agree that this type of bacteria could not survive for long on the surface of a banana.