Bacteria in General
It is known that bacteria can certainly inflict sicknesses of varying types. There are millions of different types of bacteria that exist, and each have a different function. After coming out of a pandemic that claimed the lives of millions of Americans, as well as millions more around the world, a new type of bacteria would be detrimental. It would be something that no one wants to think about, as COVID has certainly been a traumatic experience for many people. However, there has been news that has been circulating, that there may be a new type of bacteria, that can claim lives as well.
What Are This Bacteria? Have There Been Any Casualties?
This bacterium is a flesh-eating bacterium. This bacterium has a name, and it goes by Vibrio vulnificus. There have already been six reported casualties as a result of this flesh-eating bacteria. Additionally, Vibrio vulnificus can be found in places where there is salt-water.
Therefore, this can affect states that are near the Atlantic, and Pacific Ocean. It is unknown if there are any other people that have died by this bacterium, that have not yet been reported.
What To Look Out For
Vibrio vulnificus typically come around during the summer months of the year. Additionally, it is important to recognize that open wounds are a great way for this bacterium to infect your body. However, it is not limited to just open wounds. Eating seafood that is undercooked can also cause infection. “Vibrio bacteria naturally live in coastal waters, including salt water. Typically, infections occur when people eat raw or undercooked shellfish. Oysters are especially prone to harboring the bacteria. Infections also occur when an open wound is exposed to salt water or brackish water that harbors Vibrio. An open wound exposed to undercooked or raw seafood can lead to infection, too,” according to Deseret News. Therefore, being very cautious is something that is strongly advised, especially by the CDC.
There are many people, especially within the summer months, that enjoy going to these areas to enjoy themselves and enjoy the water itself. However, now that there is a deadly bacterium that is lurking about the waters, it may be reasonable to make sure that your person does not have any open wounds.
Why It Needs to Be Treated
If this infection is contracted, it is imperative to get this treated immediately. There are symptoms that are associated with this disease. “Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection can include fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and watery diarrhea,” according to ABC News.
Additionally, if these symptoms are noticed after being in a body of salt water, it must get treated immediately. There have been people that have died within a couple of days of contracting this disease. The CDC stated it receives around 150 to 200 Vibrio vulnificus infections each yea. Additionally, roughly one in five people who contract the infection die, some within one or two days of becoming sick. That is why it is very important to ensure that it is treated, and if treated in a timely manner, can rid your body of this deadly bacteria.
Moreover, it is important to be cautious when it comes to being in bodies of salt water. However, if the wound has been closed, then there is no problem whatsoever when it comes to being in a body of water. It is still unclear if there are any other people that are deceased because of Vibrio vulnificus, however, the hope is that there are no more.
Written by David Loran Jr
Sources:
ABC News: 6 die from ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria in 3 East Coast states. Here’s what to know about Vibrio vulnificus
Deseret News: CDC warns of deadly flesh-eating bacterial infection spread
AXIOS News: CDC issues alert on rare “flesh-eating” bacteria in coastal waters
Featured Image Courtesy of Caroline Davis2010’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of WAYNE TILFORD’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License