Flesh-eating bacteria – Pictured: No swimming advisory sign on beach – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Jean Faucett
The number of deaths from “flesh-eating” bacteria is increasing in the U.S.’s southeast coast. This year, infections that can result in necrotizing wounds have killed at least five people in Florida, four in Louisiana, and one in the Outer Banks.
Warm seawater is ideal for the growth of the causative agent, the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus. The state health agency reports that 16 instances have been reported in Florida this year. Louisiana has recorded 17 cases, which is greater than the yearly norm for prior years. The state Department of Health and Human Services told NBC News that North Carolina has already recorded seven cases this year. Additionally, according to the state’s health agency, Mississippi has seen three instances this year.
The first Florida infection-related deaths were reported in counties located along the state’s vast coastline, ranging from Broward County in Southeastern Florida and St. Johns County just south of Jacksonville to Bay County in the Panhandle and Hillsborough County, which is home to Tampa on the Gulf Coast.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the bacteria can enter the body through open wounds in the skin and produce necrotizing fasciitis, often known as flesh-eating disease, which is characterized by the death of surrounding tissue. Vibrio vulnificus can also be contracted by consuming tainted food, especially raw oysters. How the Florida residents contracted the infection is unknown.
The CDC estimates that 1 in 5 people who have an infection with Vibrio vulnificus die.
Although illnesses are still uncommon, “something is off this year,” according to Antarpreet Jutla, a professor of engineering at the University of Florida. However, he stated that there are too many unknowns to pinpoint the exact cause of the current increase in illnesses.
Jutla remarked, “This is definitely not normal, that’s one thing.” “It’s been a long time since we had that many cases early in the summer.”
According to Jutla, Vibrio vulnificus infections typically rise following hurricanes. The “extremely active” hurricane season may have contributed to the 82 instances that occurred in Florida last year. Floodwaters from hurricanes may harbor the bacteria.
This year, he continued, “something happened that triggered the pathogens a little bit more than before.”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday that as the U.S. reaches its peak phase, hurricane season this year is still predicted to be above normal.
The reason behind the high levels of plankton and chlorophyll, which are markers for vibrio, along the Florida panhandle is being studied by Jutla’s study team. He refers to it as a “concern.”
Vibrio vulnificus: what is it?
According to Rita Colwell, a professor emerita of microbiology at the University of Maryland, there are more than 200 species of Vibrio bacterium, including Vibrio vulnificus.
According to Jutla, most Vibrio infections do not pose a threat to people. Some only have an impact on other creatures.
However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, Vibrio bacteria do infect roughly 80,000 people annually. Those are mostly gastrointestinal cases. Just a handful, between 100 and 200 cases, are caused by Vibrio vulnificus. These stomach disorders are frequently brought on by other Vibrio species, such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus. Cholera is a diarrheal illness caused by Vibrio cholorae, another kind of Vibrio.
Although they can be found on the West Coast, Vibrio bacteria are usually found around the southeast coast of the United States because they love warm water. More examples have been discovered further north in recent years, including several in New York, Connecticut, and Maryland, according to Jutla, as water temperatures have warmed.
Who is in danger?
After exposure to brackish or saline water, flesh-eating vibrio bacteria can infiltrate open wounds, according to University of Florida Health infectious disease specialist Dr. Norman Beatty. He claims that even a little exposure could be the “only thing needed,” but the majority of the cases he has observed have been linked to prolonged time in the water.
According to Beatty, visible symptoms of an infection, such as redness, swelling, and “bull’s-eye” blisters, might appear within a few hours. Additionally, the place will hurt. Sepsis, which can be fatal, can result from an infection that spreads and enters the bloodstream. The CDC states that fever, chills, and dangerously low blood pressure are signs of sepsis.
According to Jutla, people over 65, those with compromised immune systems, and those with liver cirrhosis are most vulnerable to infection.
Antibiotics can be used to treat Vibrio vulnificus infections.
Ways to avoid contracting Vibrio infections
Beatty stated that before entering the ocean, he advises bandaging any open wounds. According to him, even a waterproof Band-Aid works.
People should get medical attention right away if they believe they have an infection, Beatty advised. Delaying could mean the difference between a milder infection and more serious effects.
“The most likely reason why most people have a more serious outcome than others is a delay in presenting to health care,” he stated. “Those who receive antibiotics and show up the same day with early infection signs and symptoms can recover well and avoid many of these serious complications.”
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Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
