Palm Beach County has reported Florida’s first ‘flesh-eating bacteria’ death this year, according to the Florida Department of Health. The bacteria, known as Vibrio vulnificus, naturally occurs in warm saltwater and brackish water.
Warning to Floridians
Health officials are warning Floridians about the dangers of Vibrio vulnificus, which can cause severe infections and tissue damage around an open wound. Eleven cases have been reported statewide this year, including two in Palm Beach County.
People can become infected by eating raw or undercooked oysters or when an open wound comes into contact with warm coastal or brackish water. Those with weakened immune systems, chronic kidney disease, or chronic liver disease face a greater risk of developing a serious infection.
Symptoms can include fever, chills, septic shock, and skin lesions. Anyone who experiences gastrointestinal pain after eating raw shellfish or redness and swelling around a wound after entering coastal water should seek medical attention immediately.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
