The state Department of Health investigated a claim that a visitor contracted a rare bacterial infection while in waters off Kaua'i and determined the man's disease, while potentially life-threatening, was not contracted while swimming.

"It can be life-threatening and fatal, but the supposition that the exposure happened in Hawai'i and is attributable to waters off Kaua'i goes beyond the medical evidence," said Dr. Paul Effler, communicable diseases division chief for the Health Department. "This is a very rare manifestation of a very common illness. It is transmitted person-to-person by contact with infectious secretions."

Gary Aguiar, a 52-year-old civil engineer, is recovering from a case of necrotizing fasciitis — commonly referred to as the flesh-eating disease.

Aguiar said he went swimming on July 4 at Po'ipu Beach with his wife and two sons. Three days later, he was taken to Wilcox Memorial Hospital with flulike symptoms.

Aguiar said he then slipped into a coma for three weeks and suffered kidney and heart failure. His brother and sister-in-law flew to the Islands and a Catholic priest administered last rites on July 14, Aguiar said.

"All I remember is the (oxygen) mask coming down and then I woke up three weeks later (on O'ahu)," said Aguiar, who is due to be discharged from a hospital on Friday after more than 40 days. "I'm a pretty tough guy. I take it to the limit, but this was kooky, I was sick. A lot of people die from this. Luckily, I survived. I've got many things to do, especially see my family."

Doctors performed several skin grafts on his right leg, where the damage occurred, he said.

The disease is caused by the Group A streptococcus bacterium. The damage to tissue is caused when the bacteria infect the fascia — the tough layers between the muscles and organs — and begin to kill the tissue, spreading rapidly over the fascia pathways.

In rare cases, usually involving adults with weak immune systems or in cases where infections are not given quick attention, the bacteria can become invasive, attacking areas inside the body where the infection can spread rapidly, said Effler, of the Health Department.

Effler said Group A streptococcus is spread from person to person and is not waterborne.

After learning of Aguiar's condition, the state began an investigation, he said. Effler would not discuss specific findings of the probe, however, citing confidentiality rules.

Studies indicate that as much as 17 percent of the population carry the bacteria at any given time, and small children commonly carry the bacteria in their throat, according to DOH.

The Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii has been assisting Aguiar, his wife, Marsha, and two sons. Aguiar is a groundwater engineer and owner of Hydro Analysis Inc. in El Cerrito, Calif.

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.