Photo: KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Science Photo Library / Getty Images
Five people in Florida are dead after contracting a rare, flesh-eating bacteria in the waters near Tampa Bay. The bacterium is called Vibrio vulnificus and it occurs naturally in warm seawater.
There have been 25 contracted cases, along with the five deaths since January 2023. Last year, there were 74 reported cases and 17 deaths. Most occurred in Lee County after Hurricane Ian flooded the community.
How is it Contracted? According to Florida Health, a person can get infected with Vibrio vulnificus by going into seawater with an open wound, as well as by eating raw shellfish… particularly oysters. Though experts say this infection isn’t common, health officials warn citizens not to enter the water with new cuts or scrapes since bacteria can enter the bloodstream quickly. Bloodstream infections are fatal half the time. Experts also say to seek medical help quickly if you believe you may be infected.
Common symptoms of this particular bacteria include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and skin infections. Those with healthy immune systems are likely to experience a mild infection. Meanwhile, anyone with a compromised immune system or chronic liver disease, are more prone to life-threatening symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure, , skin lesions and septic shock.
Last week, the New York State Health Department released guidelines for residents to identify vibrio vulnificus after it claimed the lives of one New York resident and two people in Connecticut over the summer. Governor Kathy Hochul described the flesh-eating bacteria as “extraordinarily dangerous." Hochul said in a recent press release that “As we investigate further, it is critical that all New Yorkers stay vigilant and take responsible precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, including protecting open wounds from seawater and for those with compromised immune systems, avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish which may carry the bacteria.”
Read the full article at KTLA