Warning issued over rise in ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria infections ahead of summer
Flesh-eating bacteria warning in Florida
Health experts are warning of a projected increase in Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially fatal “flesh-eating” bacteria, as coastal water temperatures rise earlier than usual this season.
Early-season infections have been reported along the East Coast, including five confirmed cases in Florida and one in Connecticut, with West Coast agencies also monitoring the bacteria.
The bacteria, which naturally lives in coastal waters, typically infects humans through open wounds exposed to seawater or by consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.
Symptoms generally appear within 24 hours and include fever, chills, stomach cramps and potentially blistering skin lesions if the bacteria enters the bloodstream.
While treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early, advanced infections may require aggressive medical intervention, and preventative measures like avoiding raw shellfish and covering open wounds in seawater are recommended.
