Flesh-Eating Bacteria Warnings Go Up in Florida

With eight confirmed cases and two deaths so far in 2015, the Florida Department of Health is working to raise awareness about a rare bacteria in saltwater that can sicken people.

Vibrio vulnificus, also known as the “flesh-eating” bacteria, is a naturally occurring, but rare organism that thrives in saltwater. The bacteria increases in numbers when the temperatures go up.

The bacteria can cause problems for humans in two ways – through direct contact with saltwater when open wounds or present or through the consumption of raw shellfish, the state warns.

Most people who come into contact with the bacteria don’t show severe symptoms. Signs of exposure in normally healthy people include such symptoms as stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains on its website that consumption of contaminated shellfish or open-wound exposure among immunocompromised people, “particularly those with chronic liver disease can infect the bloodstream, causing a severe and life-threatening illness characterized by fever and chills, decreased blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions.”

See Also:

• Florida’s ‘Flesh-Eating’ Bacteria Myths Busted

It’s those blistering skin lesions that give rise to the “flesh-eating” moniker associated with the bacteria.

When open wounds come in contact with Vibrio vulnificus, the CDC says infections that arise “may lead to skin breakdown and ulceration.”

While the state’s website notes that “Vibrio vulnificus infections are rare,” it cautions that “water and wounds do not mix. Do not enter the water if you have fresh cuts or wounds.” The state has also added a quick link to Vibrio vulnificus bacteria information on the department of health website’s homepage and is using Twitter to raise awareness.

The Florida Department of Health had logged eight reported cases of Vibrio vulnificus infection as of June 11. The county breakdown is as follows:

• Brevard – 1
• Broward 2
• Duval – 1
• Marion – 1
• Pasco – 1
• Santa Rosa – 1
• St. Lucie – 1

The two deaths occurred in Marion and Brevard County.

In 2014, a few Tampa Bay area counties also had reported case of infection. They were:

• Hillsborough – 3
• Pasco – 1
• Pinellas – 4
• Sarasota – 2

Sarasota was the only Bay area county in 2014 to experience an infection-related death, state records indicate.

To find out more about the bacteria and safety measures that can be taken, visit the Florida Department of Health online.

Image courtesy of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention