I get to use my microbiology training.
The bacteria commonly refered to as the flesh eating bacteria is Streptococcus pyogenes. This is one of the most common human pathogens. In addition to the rare necrotizing fasciitis (flesh eating diease), it more commonly is responsible for strep throat, impetigo, scarlet fever, and cellulitis. The bacteria is predominantly spread from person to person.
The shellfish has nothing to do with the spread of the disease. Cases of necrotizing fasciitis have been documented after broken bones, rug burns, and many other types of scratches. Injuries in water does not appear to play a role either. I know we are all unfortable with these sorts of things but all it takes is a cut and some bad luck. But it is really bad luck! I bieleve fewer than 1000 cases are reported each year and of those about 20% are fatal. To put it in perspective, there are tens of thousands of fatal car accidents each year.
I think the best advice is to use your neosporin and if the a cut ever seems way more painful than it should or it is accompanied with flu like symptoms run to the doctor. Tell him that crazy guy on the internet told you to do it
