Flesh-eating bacteria death toll reaches double digits across US as infections surge
Florida has reported four deaths among 21 cases, while Louisiana has reported six deaths among 17 cases.
FILE: Flesh-eating bacteria in Florida waters following Hurricane Ian
Paul Gulig, University of Florida Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, discusses the flesh-eating bacteria in Florida waters following Hurricane Ian.
Health officials in several parts of the U.S. are warning residents about a rise in deaths linked to flesh-eating bacteria, as the nationwide death toll reaches double digits and infections climb in some states.
So far this year, Florida has reported four deaths from 21 cases, while Louisiana has reported six deaths from 17 cases.
Vibrio vulnificus is a rare bacteria that naturally occurs in warm saltwater and brackish water.
People with open wounds or broken skin can become infected through direct contact with contaminated water.
This Scanning Electron Micrograph Sem Depicts A Grouping Of Vibrio Vulnificus Bacteria (BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images / Getty Images)
According to the Florida Department of Health, most people, however, contract vibriosis by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.
In some cases, Vibrio vulnificus can cause severe and life-threatening infections. People with serious infections may require intensive care or limb amputations, and about one in five people with the infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill, according to health officials.
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Healthy people typically develop a mild illness, but the bacteria can pose a much greater risk to people with weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease.
Under a high magnification of 13184X, this digitally-colorized scanning electron microscopic (SEM) image depicts a grouping of Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. (Janice Haney Carr / CDC / FOX Weather)
Symptoms can include fever, chills, low blood pressure and blistering skin lesions. Severe infections can rapidly progress and require emergency medical treatment.
Health officials recommend taking several precautions to reduce the risk of infection. Residents should avoid eating raw or undercooked oysters and other shellfish and make sure the shellfish is cooked thoroughly.
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People should also avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked seafood, wear protective clothing, such as gloves, when handling raw shellfish and keep open wounds and broken skin away from warm saltwater and brackish water.
Vibrio vulnificus is a rare bacteria that naturally occurs in warm saltwater and brackish water. (BSIP/UIG / Getty Images)
"It’s important to take precautions against infection and illness following any storm event," the Florida Department of Health said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends seeking medical treatment as soon as possible if symptoms develop after potential exposure. Patients should not wait for a consultation with an infectious disease specialist or for laboratory confirmation before receiving treatment.
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Vibrio vulnificus can be identified through testing of a patient’s stool, wound or blood.
For the latest guidance and information on Vibrio vulnificus, visit the CDC website.