Deadly ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria with 20% mortality risk detected in Long Island: Symptoms, spread, treatment and prevention

Scientists from Stony Brook University have detected a potentially deadly “flesh-eating” bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, in multiple water bodies across Long Island, raising concerns due to its high fatality risk. Experts warn the infection can be fatal in about 1 in 5 cases, sometimes within just one to two days of falling ill.

According to a report by the New York Post, Dr. Christopher Gobler, an ecologist at the university’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, confirmed the findings and issued a warning. “Bacteria known as vibrio vulnificus, also known by the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] as a flesh-eating bacteria, is present and a risk in our waters,” Gobler told reporters, as quoted by the outlet on April 21.

Here’s everything you need to know about Vibrio vulnificus and why experts are concerned.

What is Vibrio vulnificus?

Vibrio vulnificus is a harmful type of bacteria that can enter the body through eating raw or undercooked shellfish or when open wounds come into contact with contaminated water. It causes a severe form of infection known as vibriosis, which can rapidly worsen.

As per the Cleveland Clinic, this infection can lead to serious complications such as sepsis, shock, and large, fast-spreading blisters that damage skin and underlying tissues.

Vibriosis itself refers to a group of illnesses caused by different Vibrio bacteria. One well-known type, Vibrio cholerae, is responsible for cholera. If not treated promptly, Vibrio vulnificus infections ‘can be fatal,’ noted the not-for-profit academic medical center.

Why are cases rising?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked increasing Vibrio infections to warming coastal waters and extreme weather events. In fact, infections in the eastern US have risen sharply over the decades, with the bacteria’s geographic spread expanding northward each year.

Events like hurricanes and flooding can push contaminated coastal water inland, increasing exposure risks.

How deadly is Vibrio vulnificus?

According to the Center for Diasese control (CDC), about 1 in 5 people infected with Vibrio vulnificus die, sometimes within just one to two days, meaning a 20% mortality. Each year, the US reports around 150–200 infections of this particular strain, out of nearly 80,000 Vibrio-related illnesses overall.

How does it spread?

Vibrio bacteria naturally live in coastal, salt, and brackish waters. While several species infect humans, Vibrio vulnificus is among the most dangerous.

People can get infected through:

• Eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters
  
• Exposure of open wounds to contaminated water
  
• Contact between cuts and raw seafood
  

Unlike other strains, Vibrio vulnificus is more commonly transmitted through open wounds exposed to water.

Symptoms to watch out for

As per the CDC guideline, most Vibrio infections cause mild illness, such as

• Diarrhea
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Fever and chills
  

However, severe Vibrio vulnificus infections can lead to:

• Rapidly spreading skin and soft tissue damage
  
• Swelling and blistering (hemorrhagic bullae)
  
• Life-threatening complications requiring intensive care
  

The infection has a short incubation period and can escalate within hours.

Who is at higher risk?

Health experts warn that certain groups face greater danger:

• People with liver disease or diabetes
  
• Those with weakened immune systems
  
• Individuals over 40 years of age
  

These groups are more likely to develop severe infections and complications.

What should you do? Here’s what the CDC recommends

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of Vibrio vulnificus infection:

• Avoid entering salt or brackish water if you have an open wound or cut. If you get injured while in the water, leave immediately.
  
• Keep wounds fully covered with a waterproof bandage if they may come into contact with seawater or raw seafood.
  
• Clean any cuts or wounds thoroughly with soap and clean running water after exposure to salt water, brackish water, or seafood juices.
  
• Eat only properly cooked shellfish, especially oysters.
  
• Wash your hands well with soap and water after handling raw shellfish.
  
• Seek medical attention immediately if a wound shows signs of infection.
  

Treatment: Why is early action critical?

In case you got this, Vibrio vulnificus infections might not go away on their own; instead, the Cleaveland Clinic recommends immediate medical care. The common treatment typically involves prompt use of antibiotics, and in more serious cases, medical practitioners may go for surgical removal of infected tissue. In extreme situations where the infection spreads rapidly, amputation may be necessary to save a patient’s life. Early medical intervention remains critical to improving survival chances and preventing severe complications.