New Yorkers planning to travel to Florida this summer should be aware of a rare “flesh-eating” bacteria.
Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria that lives in sea waters, brackish water and inside raw or uncooked seafood, led to at least four deaths in four counties across the state, according to a report from Florida Health. Seven others were reported to be sick in connection with the bacteria.
It is rare, with an average of 150 to 200 cases reported each year to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And as hurricane season continues to bear down on the southern states – including Florida – the number of infections could potentially rise as seawater is brought onshore.
Where is Vibrio vulnificus or the flesh-eating bacteria found?
The bacteria is found in saltwater, brackish water and inside contaminated raw or undercooked seafood. It also lives naturally in coastal waters year-round. Vibrio vulnificus requires saltwater to live and spread, though it can thrive in brackish water. For the most part, the bacterial infections usually occur in Gulf Coast states, but in recent years, reports of Vibrio vulnificus have started to be seen further North as climate change fuels warmer oceans. Yes. This includes in New York.
How does a person get infected with Vibrio vulnificus?
Infection can occur when people swallow contaminated water or if it gets into an open wound. People can also become infected due to contaminated raw or undercooked seafood, especially shellfish such as oysters that carry bacterium in warm coastal waters during the summer months.
Is Vibrio vulnificus in New York?
It is not likely to be found in New York’s freshwater lakes. However, it is possible for the bacteria to develop in the ocean waters and Long Island sound near New York City. In 2023, several people died from the bacteria in New York and Connecticut. According to the New York Department of Health, Vibrio occurs naturally in saltwater coastal environments and can be found in higher concentrations from May to October when the weather is warmer. Infection with vibriosis can cause a range of symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting, fever, chills, ear infections and wound infections.
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.
Where cases of flesh-eating bacteria have been found in Florida:
In Florida, 11 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus were found in 10 counties, including four in Florida’s Panhandle. They are:
The four people who died this year were in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough and St. Johns counties, according to the Florida health department. Since the start of 2023, 139 cases and 34 deaths were reported by Florida health officials.
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.
Includes reporting by the USA Today Network
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: New Yorkers heading to Florida: Beware of dangerous flesh-eating bacteria
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
