So far this year, 26 people in Florida have contracted Vibrio Vulnificus, better known as the “Flesh-eating” bacteria. This rare disease has killed 5 people in Florida, and at least a dozen nationwide. This bacteria thrives in warm saltwater, and brackish water. It can enter your body through a cut, scrape, or wound. It can also infect you through raw or undercooked seafood.
Brackish water is water where ocean water and freshwater meet. The Florida health department warns people to not go into brackish water if they have a cut, scrape, or wound because the bacteria can get in there and cause an infection.
It is very rare to contract this disease and die, but you should still be precautious when you go to the beach, or any other body of water where this bacteria thrives.
The CDC says, “About 80,000 people get vibrio infections each year, and about 100 people die from the infection annually in the U.S.”
People who have the highest risk of getting the disease are people with chronic liver disease, kidney disease, or a weakened immune system. They should wear foot protection while in waters to prevent cuts and scrapes from rocks and shells.
Signs and Symptoms include:
- Watery Diarrhea
- Stomach Cramping
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Fever
- Bloodstream Infection: fever, chills, low blood pressure, and skin lesions
- Wound Infection: fever, pain, redness, swelling, warmth, discoloration, and leaky fluids.
If you have these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately
