Florida has announced the first death of the year linked to an infection from the harmful bacterium known as Vibrio vulnificus, according to state health officials.
This bacterium, often associated with raw seafood or brackish coastal waters, has earned the nickname “flesh-eating” due to its capability to cause vibriosis, an infection that can significantly damage skin and tissue. Each year, Florida sees cases of this kind, which typically lead to a few fatalities. Incidents tend to spike following severe weather events like hurricanes, which can cause flooding.
As of July 30, Florida has reported 12 cases for the season, along with one death in Palm Beach County. Last year, the total reached 33 cases and five deaths.
Though infections are not common, they can escalate rapidly, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. The risk of severe illness or death can arise within days, and statistics indicate that one in five affected individuals may not survive, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
On average, the U.S. experiences 100 to 200 cases of vibriosis from this bacterium annually, with a majority occurring in Gulf Coast states. Other types of vibrio bacteria are more prevalent, accounting for around 80,000 annual cases.
The general public risk is considered low; however, experts recommend that those in coastal areas take precautions as summer draws to a close. Here’s what you should be aware of.
What is Vibrio vulnificus?
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium responsible for a serious infection called vibriosis. While various types of vibrio can lead to different infections, vibrio vulnificus is known to produce the most severe forms of vibriosis, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
This potentially deadly infection can result in rapid tissue damage, blisters, low blood pressure, fever, organ failure, sepsis, and even death.
The term “flesh-eating” is often used because it can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, an aggressive bacterial infection that destroys muscle and skin tissue. It’s worth noting that vibrio vulnificus is not the most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis in the U.S., but its infections are rare and potentially life-threatening. Without medical treatment, individuals may succumb in just a few days.
How does ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria enter the body?
Vibrio vulnificus thrives in warm, brackish waters, requiring saltwater for its existence. Most infections occur when contaminated water is ingested or penetrates open wounds, like cuts or scrapes. It can enter through damaged skin but does not affect intact skin.
Additionally, this bacterium can be contracted through eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. These seafood sources and exposure to seawater are the primary drivers of vibrio outbreaks as tracked by the CDC.
Once inside, the infection can spread rapidly to the bloodstream and organs, typically within hours.
Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection
Symptoms of an infection generally appear suddenly—often within a day of exposure. Common signs include:
- Fever and chills
- A rapidly spreading red or swollen skin area, often painful
- Fluid-filled blisters and skin changes
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Low blood pressure, which might present as weakness or fainting
- Confusion or altered mental state
- Rapid heart rate
How to protect yourself against Vibrio vulnificus
When eating seafood, the CDC recommends:
- Cooking seafood thoroughly, including oysters.
- Cleaning surfaces that may have come in contact with raw seafood.
- Washing hands well after handling raw seafood, and wearing gloves if at higher risk.
If you’re swimming, you should:
- Avoid saltwater or brackish water if you have any open wounds, including surgical sites or minor scrapes.
- Cover wounds if you expect to be near coastal waters or raw seafood, as exposure can occur during flooding, too.
- Wash any open skin areas with soap and running water after contact with water or seafood.
- If you have an increased risk (like those with weak immune systems), consider wearing protective clothing and footwear in coastal areas.
