The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory for worsening flesh-eating bacteria contaminations that are associated with warming coastal waters. The bacteria is called the Vibrio vulnificus, and it thrives in warm water and low salt environments making Florida a perfect home. Infections caused by the Vibrio vulnificus strain are rare and more serious than most others. According to the CDC, some people get the infection from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. Another strand of this infection is caused by open wounds in contaminated waters. The Vibrio bacteria may also lead to infections that can cause skin breakdown and ulcers. In rare cases that the bacteria runs to the brain, the infection destroys brain tissue, causing brain swelling and death. There are about 100 to 200 cases of Vibrio vulnificus reported in the U.S. every year, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Infections caused by the Vibrio vulnificus strain are rare and more serious than most others, with one in five people dying each year from the infectious bacteria.
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Although extreme cases are very rare, the virus can be deadly. According to Fox 35, an 11 year old, Jesse Brown. rolled his ankle on the treadmill. Days later he woke up with bruises and ulcers all over his leg. Her son had developed strep A, which turned into flesh-eating bacteria. The bacteria moved up to his brain causing swelling all over his body, which led to kidney and other organs to shut down. Ultimately, the mystifying infection left the boy dead. Doctors say the bacteria attacked his leg as he had a potential scratch, claiming that the leg was also weak days before having strained it on the treadmill.
As common as it is for Floridans to be most affected, cases of Vibrio vulnificus have been spotted up north. It’s been officially confirmed the bacteria most commonly found in raw shellfish or seawater also killed one Long Island resident and two people in Connecticut this summer. The two cases in Connecticut are found to be wound infections and not caused by the sea food. Since this, Connecticut, known for their oysters, has required they seek oysters in cool waters where the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria can not survive. The Department of Public health is still undergoing investigations on the cases to improve public safety for their residents, and for them to be able to enjoy their summer months without a worry for the infection.
San Jose Mom Loses Arms and Legs After Eating Fish Contaminated with Flesh-Eating Bacteria pic.twitter.com/NfQQa2VyDK
— People (@people) September 19, 2023
The CDC offers several recommendations to help prevent infection. People who have a fresh cut, including a new piercing or tattoo, are advised to stay out of water, as the vast sea could be home to strains of Vibrio vulnificus. Early symptoms of recognizing infection can include a red, warm, or swollen area of skin that spreads quickly. Patients may face severe pain, including pain beyond the area of the skin that is red, warm, or swollen. With early symptoms, doctors can catch it fast and have you feeling better within 2-3 days.
