Rare “Flesh-Eating” Bacteria kills 3 in US; Here is what you should know about it
Rare flesh-eating bacteria is taking several lives in Unites States. Here is what you should know about the extremely rare bacterium.
The Vibrio vulnificus bacteria has claimed three lives in New York and Connecticut, sparking concerns among health officials. This rare bacteria can lead to severe infections and is often associated with contact with seawater or consumption of raw seafood. Health authorities are issuing warnings and urging caution to prevent further cases.
A recent outbreak of Vibrio vulnificus infections has caused the deaths of three individuals in New York and Connecticut. Health officials are emphasizing the importance of awareness and precautions to mitigate the risk of infection.
In Connecticut, two fatalities are linked to Vibrio vulnificus infections, with the victims likely contracting the bacteria after swimming in salt or brackish water in the Long Island Sound while having open wounds. A third case involves a person who consumed raw oysters from an out-of-state establishment and was hospitalized due to infection. The circumstances surrounding the death in New York’s Suffolk County are under investigation to determine the source of bacterial exposure.
Health authorities in both states are urging residents and healthcare providers to exercise caution. Swimming in seawater and consuming raw seafood should be approached with vigilance due to the potential risk of vibriosis.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul stressed the need for awareness and precautionary measures. She noted that while the vibrio bacteria is rare, it can be extremely dangerous. Preventive steps include safeguarding open wounds from seawater and, for individuals with compromised immune systems, avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish that might carry the bacteria.
Understanding Vibriosis:
Vibriosis is an infection caused by various species of Vibrio bacteria. In this recent outbreak, Vibrio vulnificus is the culprit.
It is estimated that vibriosis leads to around 800,000 illnesses and 100 deaths annually in the United States. The infection typically arises from the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood or exposure of open wounds to seawater. The risk of infection is higher during warm months, particularly between May and October.
Although most individuals with a healthy immune system experience mild vibriosis, Vibrio vulnificus can cause severe wound infections that may lead to necrotizing fasciitis, commonly referred to as “flesh-eating bacteria.” People infected with Vibrio vulnificus often require intensive care or even limb amputations. The fatality rate for this infection is estimated to be 1 in 5 cases.
Certain individuals are at a higher risk of severe infection, including those with weakened immune systems, liver disease, or those taking medication to reduce stomach acid levels.
Symptoms and Prevention:
The symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection vary based on the mode of transmission. Ingesting contaminated seafood can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. Severe cases may result in bloodstream infections and severe skin lesions.
If the bacteria enter an open wound, it can cause life-threatening infections, with symptoms including fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, and discharge.
To reduce the risk of vibriosis, thorough cooking of seafood, especially raw oysters and shellfish, is crucial. Neither hot sauce nor lemon can neutralize Vibrio bacteria, and visual inspection or taste cannot determine its presence.
Individuals with specific health conditions should take extra precautions, avoiding activities like swimming in saltwater with open wounds. Covering wounds with waterproof bandages and thorough cleaning after potential contact with seafood or seawater are recommended preventive measures.
