Florida authorities verified the deaths of five persons in the Tampa Bay region from a flesh-eating bacteria often found on beaches, Fox News reported.
According to Florida Health, the vibrio vulnificus bacteria can only thrive in warm, brackish saltwater. During the warmer months, the bacteria tend to multiply more rapidly. Although infections are uncommon, anyone with cuts, scratches, or other open wounds is advised not to go in the water.
Two individuals from Hillsborough County and one person from Pasco, Polk, and one from Sarasota County have died from bacterial diseases so far this year. It has been reported that 26 instances of vibrio vulnificus infections have occurred in Florida since January.
Overall, there were 74 occurrences in 2022, with 17 ending in fatalities. That year's figures were extremely high due to Hurricane Ian's sewage leak into the ocean, which increased bacteria levels.
Threat of Vibrio Vulnificus Bacteria
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), necrotizing fasciitis, a severe illness in which the flesh surrounding an open incision dies, may be the result of an infection with vibrio vulnificus. Notably, there is not just one kind of bacterium that may cause necrotizing fasciitis.
Direct contact with the fresh and saltwater combination may infect those who already have open wounds, scrapes, or scratches. Skin infections brought on by vibrio vulnificus may cause the skin to break down and even form ulcers.
Although anybody may get a vibrio vulnificus infection, those with compromised immune systems are more at risk for complications.
Invasions of the bacteria into the circulation may result in a potentially fatal sickness marked by high body temperature, shivering, low blood pressure, and blistering skin sores. The CDC estimates that one out of every five persons who become sick from it will die within a week.
Vibrio vulnificus is a harmful microorganism that may infect humans via the consumption of raw or undercooked oysters and shellfish. There is no risk of spreading it to others, but those who have symptoms should consult a doctor right away.
Deaths in New York and Connecticut
One New Yorker and two Connecticut individuals died from vibrio vulnificus infections during the summer, prompting the New York State Department of Health to provide recommendations last week on how to recognize the bacteria.
Kathy Hochul, governor of New York, declared the flesh-eating disease extraordinarily dangerous and urged her citizens to take preventative measures.
"While rare, the vibrio bacterium has unfortunately made it to this region and can be extraordinarily dangerous," Hochul said in a news statement.
"As we investigate further, it is critical that all New Yorkers stay vigilant and take responsible precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, including protecting open wounds from seawater and for those with compromised immune systems, avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish which may carry the bacteria."
