Latest news with #fleshEatingBacteria
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Thinking of heading to Florida, Ohioans? Flesh-eating bacteria found in 10 counties
Ohioans planning on squeezing in a last-minute vacation to Florida before the start of school should be aware of a rare "flesh-eating" bacteria in the Sunshine State. Florida health officials announced on July 11 that four people had died and at least seven others were made sick due to Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but deadly flesh-eating bacteria that seems to be plentiful in Florida's warm climate. The deaths occurred in four counties across the state. Flesh-eating bacteria are 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 Florida, the number of infections could pick up as seawater is brought to the shores. Here's what you need to know. Where is flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus 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 (slightly salty) 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. Where cases of flesh-eating bacteria have been found in Florida: In Florida, confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus were found in 10 counties, including four in the Panhandle — a frequent vacation destination. They are: Bay County: 1 Broward County: 1 Duval County: 1 Escambia County: 1 Hillsborough County: 1 Lee County: 1 Manatee County: 1 St. Johns County: 2 Santa Rosa County: 1 Walton County: 1 How can a person become infected with a flesh-eating bacterium? 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. Why is Vibrio vulnificus called a flesh-eating bacteria? Healthy individuals usually experience only mild symptoms, but it can start eating away at flesh if it gets into an open wound and can cause necrotizing fasciitis, which causes the flesh around the wound to die. Some cases of exposure can turn deadly if necrotizing fasciitis happens or if the bacteria enters the bloodstream. "Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections are fatal about 50 percent of the time," according to the Florida Department of Health. According to the CDC, about one in five people die from the infection, sometimes within one to two days of becoming ill. Others could require surgery or even amputation after exposure. What are the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus? People who are exposed to it could experience diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever, according to the CDC. If an open wound is exposed to Vibrio vulnificus, it can cause discoloration, swelling, skin breakdown and ulcers. How do I avoid exposure to flesh-eating bacteria? Here's what the CDC and Florida Department of Health recommend: Stay out of saltwater and brackish water if you have an open wound or cut. If you get a cut while you are in the water, leave the water immediately. Cover open wounds and cuts with a waterproof bandage if they could come in contact with salt water, brackish water or raw or undercooked seafood. Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly. Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood. Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw shellfish. Seek medical attention right away for infected wounds. Toxic algae blooms, found along Ohio beaches If you're vacationing a bit closer to home, be cautious of the beach you choose. According to the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio has 28 beach advisories currently, 24 for high bacteria levels and four for toxic algae blooms. The majority of the beach advisories for bacteria levels are along Lake Erie, but there are several at inland bodies of water. The algae bloom is happening at Grand Lake in Mercer and Auglaize counties in Western Ohio, and is affecting four public beaches there. Contributing: USA TODAY Network This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Florida has a rare flesh-eating bacteria. Which counties to avoid Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Florida currently leads the nation in Vibrio vulnificus infections, but how common is it?
Florida currently leads the nation in Vibrio vulnificus infections, but how common is it? Florida has reported four deaths associated with a "flesh-eating" bacteria known as Vibrio vulnificus, which has seemingly set off a bit of panic throughout the state. There have been 11 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus and four deaths, according to data published by the Florida Department of Health on July 11, putting the state more or less in line with the average number of cases by July (16.5). Escambia and Santa Rosa counties also reported their first cases of flesh-eating bacteria of the year, each reported a single count. 'Flesh-eating' bacteria: 2 cases found in Escambia, Santa Rosa counties Like the rest of Florida, the Pensacola area is no stranger to Vibrio vulnificus cases. In 2019, the News Journal reported on a Pensacola man who nearly died after contracting flesh-eating bacteria while fishing in his kayak in Big Lagoon. The man noticed his right leg began to hurt a few hours after he got home. After another 15 to 20 minutes, he said a boil came up 'out of nowhere' and he was unable to walk. After a long stay at Ascension Sacred Heart and at least 10 surgeries, he had to learn to talk again. Over the past 10 years, Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, on average, have reported fewer than a handful of Vibrio vulnificus cases annually. Flesh-eating bacteria are a dangerous virus, but thankfully rare to encounter. If you're concerned about contracting it, here's what to know to prevent it. Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have had 48 confirmed flesh-eating bacteria cases since 2015 Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have averaged around 3.4 and 1.8 annual cases of flesh-eating bacteria between 2015 and 2024, respectively, according to the Florida Department of Health. Both counties saw the highest number of cases in the nine-year period in 2022, when Escambia County had five confirmed cases and Santa Rosa County had four. For Florida as a whole, 2022 saw the second-highest number of reported flesh-eating bacteria cases at 74. The highest number was 83, which was reported in 2024. Does Pensacola Beach have flesh-eating bacteria? Vibrio vulnificus bacteria are naturally occurring in warm saltwater and brackish water, which is a mixture of saltwater and freshwater, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vibrio can be found in waters throughout Florida, but not all Vibrio bacteria cause the sort of flesh-eating infection that leads to necrotizing fasciitis, which is when the infection kills flesh surrounding an open wound. To complicate matters, swimming in contaminated waters isn't the only way to become infected. Another source of infection is contaminated raw or undercooked seafood, especially shellfish such as oysters. Florida has averaged around 54 annual cases of flesh-eating bacteria since 2015 Florida leads the nation in Vibrio vulnificus infections, though spikes in cases and deaths tend to coincide with major hurricanes, when seawater is carried on shore, triggering flooding and dumping seawater into freshwater sources. Between 2015 and 2024, Florida averaged 54 Vibrio vulnificus cases and about 11 deaths each year. The state saw an uptick in cases and deaths in 2022 when Hurricane Ian battered communities along the southwest coast, leading to 74 reported cases and 17 deaths. Last year, the state recorded 82 cases and 19 deaths – a surge health officials tied to a pair of damaging hurricanes, Helene and Milton. How many people have died from flesh-eating bacteria in Florida? According to the FDOH 4 people have died so far in 2025, as of Friday, July 11: Bay County: 1 Broward County: 1 Hillsborough County: 1 St. Johns: 1 Between 2008 and 2025, 178 people in Florida have died from Vibrio vulnificus, according to FDOH records. How many cases of flesh-eating bacteria have been reported in Florida? According to the FDOH, 11 cases have been reported so far in 2025, as of Friday, July 11: Bay County: 1 Broward County: 1 Escambia County: 1 Hillsborough County: 1 Lee County: 1 Manatee County: 1 St. Johns County: 2 Santa Rosa County: 1 Walton County: 1 How you can prevent becoming infected from flesh-eating bacteria It's difficult to completely avoid potentially coming into contact with Vibrio in Florida if you enjoy seafood or the beach. Here are some tips from the health department on preventing Vibrio vulnificus. Do not eat raw oysters or other raw shellfish. Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly. For shellfish in the shell, either a) boil until the shells open and continue boiling for 5 more minutes, or b) steam until the shells open and then continue cooking for 9 more minutes. Do not eat those shellfish that do not open during cooking. Boil shucked oysters at least 3 minutes, or fry them in oil at least 10 minutes at 375°F. Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood. Eat shellfish promptly after cooking and refrigerate leftovers. Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water, or to raw shellfish harvested from such waters. Wear protective clothing (e.g., gloves) when handling raw shellfish. Can flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus be treated? Yes and it's crucial that anyone who believes they are infected seek medical attention as soon as possible. Severe or prolonged Vibrio infections are treated with antibiotics. Vibrio wound infection is treated with antibiotics and surgery to remove dead or infected tissue, according to the CDC. In serious situations, surgery may include amputation. The CDC doesn't recommend antibiotics to treat mild Vibrio infections. Anyone experiencing diarrhea or vomiting should drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. What are the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus? Common symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever, according to the CDC. When open wounds are exposed to contaminated salt or brackish water, Vibrio vulnificus can cause discoloration, swelling, skin breakdown and ulcers. The bacteria can also invade the bloodstream and threaten severe and life-threatening illnesses such as septic shock, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. "Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections are fatal about 50 percent of the time," according to the Florida Department of Health. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Is 'flesh-eating' bacteria common in the Pensacola area? Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Flesh-eating' bacteria: 2 cases found in Escambia, Santa Rosa counties
Eleven people have contracted Vibrio vulnificus, the so-called "flesh-eating" bacteria, and two of the cases were reported in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties respectively. Vibrio vulnificusa is a naturally occurring bacterial infection found in brackish seawater. People can contract it by exposing open cuts or wounds to the water or by eating raw or undercooked seafood. The FDOH did not specify the sources of the new cases. Four people have died from it so far in 2025, according to the Florida Department of Health. The deaths were in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough and St. Johns counties, the FDOH reported on July 11. If the bacteria infects a person, it can cause the skin and soft tissue around a wound to quickly break down. Treatment may require limb amputation to stop the rapid flesh deterioration, and the infection can be fatal. Last year, there were a record 82 cases and 19 deaths, most of them after October when large areas of the state were flooded by back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton. Vibrio vulnificusa requires brackish saltwater to spread. Nationwide, vibriosis from Vibrio vulnificus and other Vibrio bacteria causes an estimated 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). How many people have died from flesh-eating bacteria in Florida? According to the FDOH, four people have died so far in 2025, as of Friday, July 11: Bay County: 1 Broward County: 1 Hillsborough County: 1 St. Johns: 1 Between 2008 and 2025, 178 people in Florida have died from Vibrio vulnificus, according to FDOH records. How many cases of flesh-eating bacteria have been reported in Florida? According to the FDOH, 11 cases have been reported so far in 2025, as of Friday, July 11: Bay County: 1 Broward County: 1 Escambia County: 1 Hillsborough County: 1 Lee County: 1 Manatee County: 1 St. Johns County: 2 Santa Rosa County: 1 Walton County: 1 What is Vibrio vulnificus? The Vibrio vulnificus bacteria can be found in raw or undercooked seafood, saltwater, and brackish water, which is created when fresh water from a river or lake meets the salty water of the sea. Flooding spreads brackish water into places it doesn't usually get to, and people working in floodwaters during and after storms are susceptible. Vibrio vulnificus, while rare, can be life-threatening. Some Vibrio vulnificus infections lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies. Without treatment, death can occur in just a few days. People with compromised immune systems, liver disease, or open wounds are at higher risk for Vibrio vulnificus, the FDOH said. What are the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus or 'flesh-eating bacteria'? (WARNING, AN IMAGE BELOW MAY BE TOO GRAPHIC FOR SOME AUDIENCES) Common symptoms of Vibrio infection may include: Watery diarrhea, often accompanied by stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Bloodstream infection: fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions. Wound infection, which may spread to the rest of the body: fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, and discharge (leaking fluids). If you experience these symptoms after being exposed to floodwaters, seek medical attention immediately. Healthcare professionals can treat the infection with antibiotics, but in extreme cases arms and legs may need to be amputated to remove dead or infected tissue. "Many people with Vibrio vulnificus infection require intensive care or limb amputations," the CDC said on its site, "and about 1 in 5 people with this infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill." Does 'flesh-eating bacteria' actually eat flesh? While colloquially known as a "flesh-eating bacteria," vibrio vulnificus technically kills flesh rather than "eats" it. Vibrio vulnificus can cause necrotizing fasciitis that kills human tissue, including the skin and outer layer surrounding muscles, nerves, fat, blood vessels and organs. It cannot penetrate intact skin, but must enter through an existing break in the skin. No, but it does kill it. Vibrio vulnificus can cause necrotizing fasciitis that kills human tissue, including the skin and outer layer surrounding muscles, nerves, fat, blood vessels and organs. Calling it 'flesh-eating bacteria' is inaccurate, − though a common reference − because (1) it kills tissue, but does not eat it; and (2) it cannot penetrate intact skin, but must enter through an existing break in the skin. Can you get the flesh-eating bacteria from another person? "There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of Vibrio vulnificus," the FDOH said. How can I avoid contracting Vibrio vulnificus? According to the FDOH and CDC: Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water, especially flood water, or to raw shellfish harvested from such waters. Stay out of the water, or cover your wound with a waterproof bandage. Immediately wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and water after they have contact with saltwater, brackish water, raw seafood, or its juices. Seek immediate medical care if a wound develops redness, swelling, or oozing, or other signs of infection such as fever, increasing pain, shortness of breath, fast or high heart rate, or confusion or disorientation. Do not eat raw oysters or other raw shellfish. Eat shellfish promptly after cooking and refrigerate leftovers. Cook them thoroughly: Boil shellfish in the shell until the shells open and then for 5 more minutes, or steam them until the shells open and then for 9 more minutes. Boil shucked oysters for at least 3 minutes or fry them in oil for at least 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Do not eat shellfish that does not open during cooking. Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood. Wear protective clothing (e.g., gloves) when handling raw shellfish. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: 'Flesh-eating' bacteria in Florida cases reach 11, 4 deaths in 2025 Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Thinking of heading to Florida? Flesh-eating bacteria has been found in these counties
Tennesseans planning on squeezing in a last-minute vacation to Florida before the start of school should be aware of a rare "flesh-eating" bacteria. Florida health officials announced on July 11 that four people had died and at least seven others were made sick due to Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but deadly flesh-eating bacteria that seems to be plentiful in the warm climate in Florida. The deaths occurred in four different counties across the state. It is rare, with an average of 150 to 200 cases reported each year to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. And as hurricane season continues to bear down on Florida, the number of infections could pick up as seawater is brought to the shores. Here's what you need to know. 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. Where case of flesh-eating bacteria have been found in Florida: In Florida, confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus were found in 10 counties, including four in the Panhandle — a frequent vacation destination for Nashville residents. They are: Bay County: 1 Broward County: 1 Duval County: 1 Escambia County: 1 Hillsborough County: 1 Lee County: 1 Manatee County: 1 St. Johns County: 2 Santa Rosa County: 1 Walton County: 1 How can a person become infected with a flesh-eating bacterium? 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. Why is Vibrio vulnificus called a flesh-eating bacteria? Healthy individuals usually experience only mild symptoms, but it can start eating away at flesh if it gets into an open wound and can cause necrotizing fasciitis. This causes the flesh around the wound to die. Some cases of exposure can turn deadly if this happens or it enters the bloodstream. "Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections are fatal about 50 percent of the time," according to the Florida Department of Health. According to the CDC, about one in five people die from the infection, sometimes within one to two days of becoming ill. Others could require surgery or even amputation after exposure. What are the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus? People who are exposed to it could experience diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever, according to the CDC. If an open wound is exposed to Vibrio vulnificus, it can cause discoloration, swelling, skin breakdown and ulcers. How do I avoid exposure to flesh-eating bacteria? Here's what the CDC and Florida Department of Health recommend: Stay out of saltwater and brackish water if you have an open wound or cut. If you get a cut while you are in the water, leave the water immediately. If your open wounds and cuts could come in contact with salt water, brackish water or raw or undercooked seafood, cover them with a waterproof bandage. Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly. Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood. Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw shellfish. Seek medical attention right away for infected wounds. Contributing: USA TODAY Network This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Florida has a rare flesh-eating bacteria. Which counties to avoid Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rare 'flesh-eating' bacteria claims 4 lives in Florida: What to know
Florida health officials reported that four people died and over a half dozen others were made sick this year by a rare "flesh-eating" bacteria. Vibrio vulnificus, which is found in saltwater, brackish water and inside contaminated raw or undercooked seafood, led to four deaths in four counties across the state and made at least seven people ill, the state's Department of Health announced on July 11. Infection from the bacteria is rare, with an average of 150 to 200 cases reported each year to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cases are most often reported in the Gulf Coast states, though research has shown it migrating north as climate change fuels warmer oceans. Most healthy people exposed to the bacteria experience only mild symptoms. For some, however, the bacteria can be deadly – especially if it enters the bloodstream or kills flesh around an open wound. About one in five people die from the infection, according to the CDC, sometimes within one to two days of becoming ill. Others may require surgery or even amputation after their exposure. Here's what to know about Vibrio vulnificus: Where is Vibrio vulnificus located? Vibrio are bacteria that naturally live in coastal waters year-round. Vibrio vulnificus requires saltwater to live and spread, though it can thrive in brackish water, where a stream or river meets seawater. Most infections occur when people swallow contaminated water or get it in an open wound. Another source of infection is contaminated raw or undercooked seafood, especially shellfish such as oysters. In Florida, which leads the nation in Vibrio vulnificus infections, spikes in cases and deaths coincide with major hurricanes, when seawater is carried on shore, triggering flooding and dumping seawater into freshwater sources. Between 2016 to 2024, an average of 48 Vibrio vulnificus cases and about 11 deaths were reported annually in Florida. In 2022, when Hurricane Ian battered communities along the southwest coast, there were 74 reported cases and 17 deaths. Last year, the state recorded 82 cases and 19 deaths – a surge health officials tied to a pair of damaging hurricanes, Helene and Milton. Why is it called a 'flesh-eating bacteria'? Vibrio vulnificus kills, but does not eat tissue. The bacteria cannot penetrate unharmed skin, but can enter through an existing break. If the bacteria enters the body through a cut, scrape or wound, it can cause necrotizing fasciitis, and the flesh around the infection site could die. Those infected through wounds may require major surgery or limb amputations, according to the CDC. What are the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus? Common symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever, according to the CDC. When open wounds are exposed to contaminated salt or brackish water, Vibrio vulnificus can cause discoloration, swelling, skin breakdown and ulcers. The bacteria can also invade the bloodstream and threaten severe and life-threatening illnesses such as septic shock, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. "Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections are fatal about 50 percent of the time," according to the Florida Department of Health. How to avoid Vibrio vulnificus Below are some tips to avoid Vibrio vulnificus, according to the Florida Department of Health and the CDC. Stay out of saltwater and brackish water if you have an open wound or cut. If you get a cut while you are in the water, leave the water immediately. If your open wounds and cuts could come in contact with salt water, brackish water or raw or undercooked seafood, cover them with a waterproof bandage. Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly. Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood. Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw shellfish. Seek medical attention right away for infected wounds. Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund, Thao Nguyen, Gabe Hauari and Mike Snider, USA TODAY; C.A. Bridges, USA TODAY Network - Florida This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rare 'flesh-eating' bacteria kills 4 people in Florida: What to know Solve the daily Crossword
