Surge in Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases: What You Need to Know Now

This summer, reports have surged regarding Vibrio vulnificus, a menacing flesh-eating bacterium threatening areas across the U.S. Emergency alerts have intensified in the Southeast as Louisiana, Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama document a notable increase in infections, alongside multiple fatalities, far surpassing typical statistics. Dr. Alok Patel, a pediatrician at Stanford Children’s Health and ABC News contributor, emphasizes that while Vibrio vulnificus is infrequent, it can prove fatal. Typically found in warm, brackish, brackish waters during the summer, this bacterium can enter the body via skin breaches or wounds. Infection may arise from exposure through cuts, scrapes, or ingested raw shellfish like oysters. Symptoms include gastrointestinal distress and localized redness or swelling. Louisiana peaked with 17 reported cases, including four deaths, while Florida documented 13 cases, with four fatalities. To mitigate risks, refrain from consuming raw shellfish, cook seafood thoroughly, and shield open wounds from exposure to contaminated waters.