‘Flesh-Eating’ Bacteria Linked to 3 Deaths in Florida
A “flesh-eating” bacterium known as Vibrio vulnificus has been linked to 3 deaths in Florida. So far this year, Florida has had 17 confirmed cases of the “flesh-eating” bacteria. Five of those cases are out of South Florida. One of the people who died was from Palm Beach County.
About the Bacteria
Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occuring bacteria that is found in warm, brackish seawater. Most people get the “flesh-eating” bacteria by eating undercooked or raw shellfish, particularly oysters, according to Florida Health. Additionally, because it is naturally found in warm marine waters, individuals who have open sores or wounds can be exposed to the “flesh-eating” bacteria through direct contact with seawater.
Generally healthy individuals will only experience mild symptoms. However, for those who have weakened immune systems, especially those with chronic liver disease, Vibrio vulnificus can be a serious concern. The bacterium can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe and life-threatening illness with symptoms like chills, blistering skin lesions, fever, and decreased blood pressure (septic shock).
There have been two cases in Miami-Dade County; one in Broward; two in Palm Beach and one death; two in Bay County and one death; two in Marion County and one death.
What are the symptoms?
For those with a general infection, they may experience:
- Stomach cramps.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Chills.
- Fever.
- Watery diarrhea.
People who have the “flesh-eating” bacteria bloodstream infection may experience:
- Chills.
- Fever.
- Blistering skin lesions.
- Dangerously low blood pressure.
Individuals who are infected through a wound may experience:
- Redness.
- Pain.
- Swelling.
- Fever.
- Skin discoloration (darker or different than normal).
- Warmth in the affected area.
- Fluid draining from the wound.
Additional Cases
Additional cases have been reported in Louisiana. All in all, there are 25 cases of the “flesh-eating” bacteria and at least seven deaths.
According to experts, men are more likely to get a serious infection from the “flesh-eating” bacteria than women. People who work with seawater or raw shellfish are also at higher risk.
By Sheena
Sources:
WFLA: Worried about flesh-eating bacteria? These are the warning signs
Florida Health: Vibrio Vulnificus
NBC Miami: ‘Flesh-eating’ bacteria linked to 3 deaths in Florida this year
Image by CDC/James Gathany (PHIL #7815) via Wikimedia – Public Domain
