Flesh eating bacteria: CDC issues alert over Vibrio Vulnificus. Know symptoms of infection, ways to prevent

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health alert on the bacteria Vibrio Vulnificus. This fatal bacteria can be found in warm freshwater, brackish water, and saltwater and it thrives in raw or undercooked seafood. About 80,000 people get infected with this bacteria and a hundred of them die every year across the country. At least a dozen have been killed so far this year.

Vibrio Vulnificus’ Infection Moving South

A study has found that as the temperature of seawater is increasing the Vibrio Vulnificus infection is moving to the south. Gabby Barbarite at Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce Florida said that the bacteria can reproduce faster in warm water.

Vibrio Vulnificus Increases

According to a report published in the March issue of Nature Portfolio, infections increased eight-fold between 1998 and 2018. Researchers have also found that the infection is spreading from north to south on the East Coast at a rate of about 30 miles annually.

Signs of Vibrio Vulnificus Infection

In its warning, the CDC has informed the people about the signs of the Vibrio Vulnificus infection. These include:

Diarrhea, accompanied by stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Chills, fever, dangerously low blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions in case of bloodstream infection.
Fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, and discharge in case of wound infection.

How to prevent Vibrio Vulnificus infection

The CDC has given tips on prevention from the infection of Vibrio Vulnificus bacteria

Keep out of salt water or brackish water if you have an open wound or cut injury. If you have received a cut in water, get out of it immediately.
If your open wound comes in contact with salt water, brackish water, or raw or uncooked seafood, cover them completely.
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
Cook your oysters and shellfish properly.
Always wash your hands with water and soap.

FAQs:

Q1. What is Vibrio Vulnificus and how is it spreading in the US?
A1. Vibrio Vulnificus is a bacteria found in salt water, brackish water, and raw and uncooked seafood. It is migrating from north to south on the East Coast at the rate of 30 miles annually.

Q2. How dangerous are Vibrio Vulnificus bacteria?
A2. As the sea surface temperature increases, Vibrio vulnificus bacteria multiply quickly and spread. It infects about 80,000 people and 100 people die of the infection annually across the country. About a dozen people have died so far.