Health experts are warning of a projected rise in infections from Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially fatal bacteria commonly referred to as “flesh-eating,” as coastal water temperatures increase ahead of the summer season.
The warning follows early-season infections reported along the East Coast, including five confirmed cases in Florida and one in Connecticut, according to health officials. West Coast health agencies also monitor the bacteria in California, where the state tracks a small number of Vibrio vulnificus infections annually.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that while various Vibrio species cause roughly 80,000 illnesses in the United States annually, the specific Vibrio vulnificus strain accounts for 100 to 200 of those reported cases each year.
The bacteria is widely known for causing necrotizing fasciitis, a severe condition where tissue surrounding an open wound dies.
Vibrio bacteria live naturally in coastal waters and typically infect humans when an open wound, recent piercing or tattoo is exposed to seawater. However, health officials say that the majority of infections occur after consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, which tend to concentrate the bacteria.
open image in gallerySymptoms generally appear within 24 hours of exposure. According to the CDC, standard signs of an infection include fever, chills, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea.
If the bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can cause blistering skin lesions and dangerously low blood pressure. Wound infections are typically characterized by pain, swelling, redness, discoloration and discharge.
While anyone can contract the bacteria, certain underlying medical factors significantly raise the risk of severe complications.
The CDC identifies liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, thalassemia and recent stomach surgeries as primary risk factors. Individuals undergoing immune-suppressing therapies or taking medications that lower stomach acid levels are also at heightened risk.
If diagnosed early, Vibrio vulnificus can be successfully treated with antibiotics. However, advanced infections often require aggressive medical intervention to prevent the spread of tissue death.
open image in galleryAs reported by the Cleveland Clinic, these treatments can include surgical debridement to remove dead tissue, draining fluid from skin blisters or amputation of affected limbs in severe cases.
Although infections peak between May and October when coastal waters are warmest, health officials emphasize that preventative measures should be practiced year-round.
Medical experts recommend avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish and keeping raw seafood separated from cooked food to prevent cross-contamination. Hands should be washed thoroughly after handling raw shellfish.
Additionally, people with open wounds or skin breaks are advised to stay out of seawater and brackish water, or to use waterproof bandages if exposure is unavoidable. Any wounds exposed to coastal water or raw seafood juices should be washed immediately with soap and clean water.