The bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, thrives in warm seawater. The deaths occurred in various coastal counties across Florida. It's currently unclear how the individuals were infected. In addition to the 4 fatalities, 7 cases are currently being treated.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the bacteria can enter the body through open wounds, leading to necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating disease. People can also become infected by consuming contaminated food, particularly raw oysters.
The CDC reports a fatality rate of approximately 20% for Vibrio vulnificus infections. Professor Antarpreet Jutla, a University of Florida engineering professor who studies Vibrio bacteria, stated that while Vibrio vulnificus infections are rare, they tend to increase after storms. Last year, Florida reported 82 cases, a number thought to be elevated due to a particularly active hurricane season.
What is Vibrio vulnificus?
Professor of microbiology Rita Colwell at the University of Maryland, explained that Vibrio vulnificus is one of over 200 species of Vibrio bacteria. Most Vibrio species are harmless to humans, with some only affecting other animals.
However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, Vibrio bacteria still cause about 80,000 human infections annually, mostly digestive disorders. Only about 100 to 200 cases per year are caused by Vibrio vulnificus. Another variant, Vibrio cholerae, causes cholera.
Because Vibrio bacteria prefer warm water, they are prevalent along the southeastern coast of the US, but have also been found on the West Coast. Jutla noted that as ocean temperatures rise, cases are appearing further north, including in New York, Connecticut, and Maryland.
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Microscopic image of Vibrio bacteria. Photo: Sub |
Microscopic image of Vibrio bacteria. Photo: Sub
Who is at high risk?
Dr. Norman Beatty, an infectious disease expert at the University of Florida health system, explained that Vibrio bacteria can enter open wounds after contact with salt or brackish water. Most cases he has seen involved prolonged immersion in water, but even brief contact can cause infection.
Beatty stated that infection signs, including skin redness, swelling, and bullseye-shaped blisters, can appear within hours. The infected area also becomes noticeably painful. Without treatment, the bacteria can spread to the bloodstream, causing sepsis, a potentially fatal condition. Symptoms include fever, chills, and dangerously low blood pressure, according to the CDC.
Jutla indicated that individuals with cirrhosis of the liver, weakened immune systems, and those over 65 are at the highest risk of infection. Vibrio vulnificus infections are treatable with antibiotics.
How to prevent infection
Beatty recommends covering any open wounds before entering the ocean. He suggests that a waterproof bandage is sufficient.
If an infection is suspected, individuals should seek immediate medical attention. Prompt treatment can be the deciding factor between a mild case and serious complications.
"Delayed medical attention is why many people experience more severe complications, while those who receive antibiotics within the first day of symptoms often recover well and avoid serious issues," he said.
Thuc Linh (According to NBC News)
