Well being authorities in Florida have confirmed that 4 folks — together with one in Broward County — have died this 12 months after contracting Vibrio vulnificus, a uncommon flesh-eating bacterium present in heat saltwater and brackish environments.
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The Florida Division of Well being says the state has recorded 11 circumstances to this point in 2025. Although infections are comparatively unusual — with the CDC reporting about 150 to 200 circumstances nationwide yearly — they are often life-threatening. One in 5 sufferers dies, typically inside 48 hours of exhibiting signs.
The bacterium can enter the physique by means of open wounds uncovered to contaminated water or by means of consumption of uncooked or undercooked seafood, notably oysters. It might probably trigger necrotizing fasciitis, a extreme an infection that destroys gentle tissue and will require amputation.
Well being officers say folks with weakened immune methods, liver illness, most cancers, or these taking medicines that cut back abdomen acid are at larger danger of problems. There is no such thing as a identified human-to-human transmission.
Signs of Vibrio vulnificus an infection embody vomiting, diarrhea, fever, belly ache, blistering pores and skin, and indicators of sepsis comparable to low blood strain and chills.
Medical doctors advise speedy emergency take care of anybody experiencing signs following publicity to heat coastal waters or seafood. If an an infection is discovered early, docs can use antibiotics to deal with it instantly. The Cleveland Clinic says suppliers are more likely to prescribe antibiotics comparable to doxycycline, ceftazidime, cefotaxime or ciprofloxacin.
Officers warn in opposition to getting into heat salt or brackish water with open cuts and urge using protecting footwear to forestall accidents.
In response to The Washinton Post, most circumstances have been reported in counties that suffered harm from overflowing water following hurricanes. In 2022, Collier and Lee counties skilled a better than ordinary variety of circumstances within the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. And final 12 months, the counties of Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota skilled jumps in circumstances following Hurricane Helene, state officers mentioned.
As international temperatures rise, consultants anticipate extra frequent infections and an increasing geographic vary for the micro organism, now spreading northward at roughly 30 miles per 12 months.
