On the U.S.’s southeast coasts, the number of deaths from flesh-eating bacteria is increasing. This year, infections that can result in necrotizing wounds have killed at least five people in Florida, four in Louisiana, and one in the Outer Banks.
Warm seawater is ideal for the growth of the causative agent, the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus.
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The state’s health agency reports that 16 cases have been reported in Florida this year.In Louisiana, there have been 17 instances documented, which is greater than the yearly norm for prior years.
The state Department of Health and Human Services told NBC News that North Carolina has already recorded seven cases this year. Additionally, according to the state’s health agency, Mississippi has seen three instances this year.
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The first Florida deaths from the infection were reported in counties located along the state’s vast coastline, ranging from Broward County in Southeastern Florida and St. Johns County just south of Jacksonville to Bay County in the Panhandle and Hillsborough County, which is home to Tampa on the Gulf Coast.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the bacteria can enter the body through open wounds in the skin and produce necrotizing fasciitis, often known as flesh-eating disease, which results in the death of the surrounding tissue.Vibrio vulnificus can also be contracted by consuming tainted food, especially raw oysters. How the Florida residents contracted the infection is unknown.
According to the CDC, approximately one in five individuals who get an infection with Vibrio vulnificus die.
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Although illnesses are still uncommon, Antarpreet Jutla, a professor of engineering at the University of Florida, stated that this year is different. However, he stated that there are too many unknowns to pinpoint the exact cause of the current increase in illnesses.
Jutla stated, “This is definitely not normal, that’s one thing.” Early in the summer, we haven’t seen that many cases in a very long time.
According to Jutla, Vibrio vulnificus infections typically rise following hurricanes. The unusually active hurricane season may have contributed to the 82 cases that occurred in Florida last year.The bacteria can persist in floodwaters after hurricanes.
According to him, something occurred this year that somewhat increased the infections’ sensitivity.
As the United States reaches its peak time, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday that this year’s hurricane season is still predicted to be above average.
The reason behind the high levels of plankton and chlorophyll indicators for vibrio along the Florida panhandle is being studied by Jutla’s research team. He refers to it as a worry.
What is Vibrio vulnificus?
According to Rita Colwell, a professor emerita of microbiology at the University of Maryland, there are more than 200 species of Vibrio bacterium, including Vibrio vulnificus.
According to Jutla, most Vibrio infections are not dangerous to people. Some only have an impact on other creatures.
However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, Vibrio bacteria do infect roughly 80,000 people annually. Those are mostly gastrointestinal cases. Vibrio vulnificus is only responsible for a tiny percentage of cases—between 100 and 200. These stomach disorders are frequently brought on by other Vibrio species, such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus. Cholera is a diarrheal illness caused by Vibrio cholorae, another kind of Vibrio.
Although they can be found on the West Coast, Vibrio bacteria are usually found around the southeast coast of the United States because they love warm water.According to Jutla, more examples have been discovered further north in recent years as water temperatures have warmed, with some of them occurring in New York, Connecticut, and Maryland.
Who is at risk?
After exposure to brackish or saline water, vibrio bacteria can infiltrate open wounds, according to University of Florida Health infectious disease specialist Dr. Norman Beatty. He claims that even a little exposure could be all that is required, but the majority of instances he has observed have been linked to prolonged time in the water.
Redness, swelling, and bulls-eye blisters are among the obvious symptoms of an infection that can appear within a few hours, according to Beatty. Additionally, the place will hurt. Sepsis, which can be fatal, can result from an infection that spreads and enters the bloodstream. The CDC states that fever, chills, and dangerously low blood pressure are signs of sepsis.
According to Jutla, people over 65, those with compromised immune systems, and those with liver cirrhosis are most vulnerable to infection.
Antibiotics can be used to treat Vibrio vulnificus infections.
How to prevent Vibrio infections
Beatty stated that before entering the ocean, he advises bandaging any open wounds. According to him, even a waterproof Band-Aid works.
People should get medical attention right away if they believe they have an infection, Beatty advised. Delaying could mean the difference between a milder infection and more serious effects.
“The most likely reason why most people have a more serious outcome than others is a delay in presenting to health care,” he said. Patients who obtain antibiotics and show up the same day with early infection symptoms can recover well and steer clear of many of these dangerous side effects.
