A potentially deadly ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria has killed five people in Louisiana this year, a sharp rise from the state’s typical death toll. Vibrio vulnificus is part of a wider group of Vibrio bacteria found primarily in warm, coastal waters, and can cause serious, potentially life-threatening infections when contaminated seawater enters an open wound.
Precautions and Risks
Infections can also occur when someone eats raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters. The Louisiana Department of Health has reported nine cases and five deaths so far this year, all linked to people entering seawater with open wounds, and all of the infected patients had existing medical conditions.
People with severe infections may require intensive care or limb amputation. About one in five people with Vibrio vulnificus infection dies, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill. Health officials caution against entering warm saltwater or brackish water if any fresh cuts, scrapes, or wounds are present.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
