1 in 5 die after rare ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria strikes US coasts; Know the symptoms and how to stay safe

A fisherman in North Carolina’s Outer Banks thought nothing of the small cut on his hand. By nightfall, his skin was swelling, blistering, and turning a deep, angry purple. By the next morning, he was in intensive care, another victim of Vibrio vulnificus, the rare but ferociously fast “flesh-eating” bacteria that’s surging along US coasts. As of now, at least 10 people have died due to this bacteria.

Vibrio vulnificus, a fast-moving bacterium that thrives in warm, salty or brackish water, has been linked to five deaths in Florida, four in Louisiana and one in North Carolina’s Outer Banks so far this year. Mississippi has reported three cases, though no fatalities.

Florida’s health department has logged 16 infections across 12 coastal counties, an unusually high count for early August. Louisiana has reported 17 cases, more than twice its normal yearly average. North Carolina has confirmed seven cases, including a commercial fisherman now in intensive care after a small cut became a life-threatening wound.


The bacteria can enter the body through open wounds, even tiny scratches or insect bites. It can also be contracted by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters.

Symptoms

Symptoms including swelling, redness, severe pain and “bull’s-eye” blisters, can appear within hours. If untreated, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis, which the CDC says kills about one in five patients.

Older adults, people with chronic liver disease and those with weakened immune systems face the highest risk. Hurricanes and heavy rains can push contaminated water inland, increasing exposure. Last year’s unusually active hurricane season coincided with Florida’s record 82 Vibrio vulnificus cases.

Prevention

Health officials say prevention is easy and simple, cover any wounds before swimming, avoid raw seafood, and seek immediate medical care if symptoms appear after water exposure. Quick antibiotic treatment can mean the difference between recovery and death.

A delay in presenting to health care is truly the likely reason why most people have a more serious outcome than others. People who present within the same day with signs and symptoms of early infection, who receive antibiotics, can do well and can avoid a lot of these serious complications.