Planning to take a family vacation to Florida before the start of school in the fall? You should be aware of a rare “flesh-eating” bacteria, Florida health officials say.
Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria that lives in sea waters, brackish water and inside raw or uncooked seafood, led to four deaths in four counties across the state as of July 11, a report from Florida Health officials show.
Forty-six cases have been reported by Florida health officials in the last three years. Additionally, 11 people have died.
People with open wounds can be exposed to Vibrio and should take necessary precautions if immunocompromised.
Here’s what to know if you’re planning to visit a Gulf Coast state this summer:
How does a person get infected with Vibrio vulnificus?
Vibrio vulnificus occurs when individuals eat raw shellfish, particularly oysters that carry bacterium in warm coastal waters during the summer months.
Additionally, since shellfish are found in warm waters, people with open wounds can be exposed to Vibrio and should take necessary precautions if immunocompromised.
Where is Vibrio vulnificus located?
Vibrio are bacteria that naturally live in coastal waters year-round.
Is Vibrio vulnificus in Michigan lakes?
Unlikely. Michigan has freshwater lakes. Vibrio vulnificus is found in warm coastal saltwater and brackish water. Brackish water has higher salt content than freshwater, but lower than saltwater.
Why is it called a ‘flesh-eating bacteria’?
If the bacteria enters the body through a wound it can cause necrotizing fasciitis, killing the flesh around the infection site.
Infected wounds may require major surgery or limb amputations, according to the CDC.
How is Vibrio vulnificus infection treated?
If Vibrio vulnificus is suspected, patients are treated with antibiotics.
How common is Vibrio vulnificus?
Vibrio vulnificus is rare, but is often underreported, Florida health officials say.
Between 1988 and 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) received reports of more than 900 Vibrio vulnificus infections from the Gulf Coast states, where most cases occur.
How to avoid Vibrio vulnificus
Below are some tips to avoid Vibrio vulnificus, according to the Florida Department of Health and the CDC.
Distance from Michigan to Florida?
According to Google Maps, from Detroit to Miami, the shortest route is approximately 20 hours, a 1,350-mile drive.
USA Today contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Planning a quick trip to Florida? Health officials say watch out for this ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
