The study, conducted by the University of Otago with funding from the New Zealand, examined the number of cases of the often-datal disease nationally for the years between 1990 and 2006.

It found that the number of cases of the severe bacterial infection rose from less than ten in 1990 to more than 70 in 2006, and directly led to the deaths of 148 people over that period, amounting to a 21 per cent fatality rate.

According to the university, this is the first nation-wide study of its kind, no doubt due to the relatively small amount of cases.

However, according to co-author Associate Professor Michael Baker, in a press release, "[the disease is] feared because of its speed of onset, high fatality rate, and the severe tissue damage it causes.”

Necrotising fasciitis is a deep-tissue bacterial infection, where the bacteria release toxins into living tissue, causing it to eventually necrotise, or die. The disease usually requires surgery and large amounts of intravenous antibiotics to treat.

While the study did not find out exactly why the disease was on the rise, Associate Professor Baker says it is possibly due to a number of variables, including a rise in other chronic conditions, a greater prescence of the streptococcus bacteria that causes the disease, or less access to health care.

The study also found the disease was more prevalent amongst Maori, Islander and aged people, as well as a greater incidence among men. The reasons for this prevalence are as yet unknown.

The study has just been published in the Journal of Infection.