Florida has reported its first death from flesh-eating bacteria this year. The Florida Department of Health confirmed one person has died after contracting Vibrio vulnificus, a naturally occurring bacterium in warm, brackish seawater.

What is Vibrio vulnificus?

Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that can cause severe illness in people who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease. It can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe and life-threatening illness with symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions.

The bacterium can be contracted through eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, or through direct contact with seawater if you have an open wound. Health officials have seen a positive correlation between Vibrio deaths and the number of hurricanes per year, as flooding and standing water pose risks for exposure to the bacteria.

Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. In severe cases, it can cause bloodstream infection, wound infection, or even death. Treatment typically involves starting antibiotic therapy and being attentive to the wound site. In severe cases, aggressive debridement, fasciotomy, or amputation of the infected limb may be necessary.

To prevent Vibrio vulnificus infection, health officials recommend avoiding eating raw oysters or other raw shellfish, cooking shellfish thoroughly, and avoiding exposure of open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.