- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Spring Hill Today
By the People, for the People
Tampa Bay Man Survives Flesh-Eating Bacteria Against 10% Odds
Roush recovers after contracting life-threatening infection while on vacation in the Bahamas.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:51am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A Tampa Bay man named Roush has miraculously recovered after contracting a severe case of flesh-eating bacteria, or necrotizing fasciitis, while on a trip to the Bahamas. Roush was initially given just a 10% chance of survival, but through determination and the support of his family and medical team, he has progressed rapidly in his recovery and is now preparing to return home.
Why it matters
Flesh-eating bacteria infections are extremely rare but can be fatal if not treated quickly. Roush's story highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for any concerning symptoms, as well as the remarkable resilience of the human body when faced with life-threatening illnesses.
The details
Roush contracted the infection after getting a cut while on vacation in the Bahamas. He initially did not think much of the injury, but soon became gravely ill. He was rushed to the emergency room and spent weeks in a coma. At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Spring Hill, Florida, Roush has been working tirelessly to relearn basic functions like speaking, sitting up, and regaining use of his arms and legs.
- Roush contracted the infection while on a trip to the Bahamas.
- He was rushed to the emergency room and spent weeks in a coma.
- Roush has been recovering at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Spring Hill, Florida.
The players
Roush
A Tampa Bay man who contracted a severe case of flesh-eating bacteria, or necrotizing fasciitis, while on vacation in the Bahamas.
Megan Winterhalter
Roush's physical therapist at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital.
Dr. Carlos Arias
The medical director at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital.
What they’re saying
“We're on the boat coming home, I started getting sick. Next thing I know, I'm getting rushed to the emergency room and I woke up like three weeks later.”
— Roush
“It was a very gradual process and once he started getting up, he has progressed really quickly from there. I think mostly because of his motivation.”
— Megan Winterhalter, Physical Therapist
“It is pretty much a life-threatening infection but also, it's a surgical and medical emergency. So he could have lost his leg, but he also could have lost his life.”
— Dr. Carlos Arias, Medical Director
What’s next
Roush will continue his recovery at home after a successful home evaluation to ensure his house is set up safely for him.
The takeaway
Roush's remarkable recovery from a flesh-eating bacteria infection that initially gave him only a 10% chance of survival underscores the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for any concerning symptoms, as well as the resilience of the human body when faced with life-threatening illnesses. His story serves as an inspiration for others facing similarly daunting health challenges.
