Flesh-eating bacteria sounds like the premise of a bad horror movie, but it’s a growing – and potentially fatal – threat to people in the U.S. and beyond.
Vibrio vulnificus, a type of flesh-eating bacteria that thrives in warm seawater, is once again threatening the safety of beachgoers and raw shellfish enthusiasts. To date, , and . As of late June, .
at the Indiana University School of Medicine, where studies . Here’s why health officials are so concerned about this deadly infection – and ways to avoid contracting it.
What does ‘flesh-eating’ mean?
There are several types of bacteria that can infect open wounds and cause a rare condition called . These bacteria do not merely damage the surface of the skin – they release toxins that destroy the underlying tissue, including muscles, nerves and blood vessels. Once the bacteria reach the bloodstream, they gain ready access to additional tissues and organ systems. If left untreated, necrotizing fasciitis can be fatal, sometimes within 48 hours.
The bacterial species , or group A strep, is the most common culprit behind necrotizing fasciitis. But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control points to as an additional suspect. There are only of Vibrio vulnificus infections in the United States each year, but the mortality rate is high, with 1 in 5 people succumbing to the infection. Cases have also .
How do you catch flesh-eating bacteria?
Vibrio vulnificus primarily lives in warm seawater but can also be found in brackish water – areas where the ocean mixes with freshwater. Most infections in the U.S. occur in the . People who swim, fish or wade in these bodies of water can contract the bacteria through an open wound or sore.
Vibrio vulnificus can also get into seafood harvested from these waters, especially shellfish like oysters. Eating such foods raw or undercooked can lead to , and handling them while having an open wound can provide an entry point for the bacteria to cause necrotizing fasciitis. In the U.S., Vibrio vulnificus is a leading cause of .
Why are flesh-eating bacteria infections rising?
Vibrio vulnificus is found in warm coastal waters around the world, like those of the southern Gulf Coast states in the U.S. But rising ocean temperatures due to global warming are creating new habitats for this type of bacteria, which can now be found along the East Coast as far north as . A noted that Vibrio vulnificus wound infections increased eightfold between 1988 and 2018 in the eastern U.S.
Vibrio vulnificus is also spreading into coastal areas of as a consequence of driving warming water temperatures.
is also fueling stronger hurricanes and storm surges, which have been associated with spikes in flesh-eating bacteria infection cases due to increasing contact with seawater or brackish water.
The number of people around the world who are , including those and those taking medications that suppress immunity, is on the rise.
What are symptoms of and treatments for necrotizing fasciitis?
of an infected wound include fever, redness, intense pain or swelling at the site of injury. If you have these symptoms, seek medical attention without delay. Necrotizing fasciitis can , producing ulcers, blisters, skin discoloration and pus.
is a race against time. Clinicians administer antibiotics directly into the bloodstream to kill the bacteria. In many cases, damaged tissue needs to be surgically removed to stop the rapid spread of the infection. This sometimes means .
Researchers are concerned that an increasing number of cases are becoming impossible to treat because Vibrio vulnificus has evolved .
How do I protect myself?
The CDC offers several recommendations to help .
People who have a fresh cut, including a new piercing or tattoo, are advised to stay out of water that could be home to Vibrio vulnificus. Otherwise, the wound should be completely covered with a waterproof bandage. The tiniest scrape or cut is enough for Vibrio vulnificus to get under your skin. One case was even traced to .
People with an open wound should also avoid handling raw seafood or fish. Wounds that occur while fishing, preparing seafood or swimming should be washed immediately and thoroughly with soap and water.
Anyone can contract necrotizing fasciitis, but the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are . This includes people taking immunosuppressive medications or those who have pre-existing conditions such as liver disease, cancer, HIV or diabetes.
It is important to bear in mind that necrotizing fasciitis presently . But given its severity, it is beneficial to stay informed.
Cases of infection by Vibrio vulnificus are about as . While shark bites get more attention, the microscopic shark that is Vibrio vulnificans can also rob you of life .
This is an updated version of an article originally .
Original article
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