Latest news with #Vibrio
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Flesh eating bacteria: How to know if a water body is infested
TL;DR You can't see flesh-eating bacteria , but you can predict where it's likely to be. Warm, salty, or brackish waters in the summer—especially after storms—are the main danger zones. Skip swimming with open wounds, no matter how small. Check for local health alerts before you wade in. If your skin starts acting up after water exposure, don't brush it off—get it checked fast. Let's talk about something that sounds like it's straight out of a horror movie: flesh-eating bacteria. More specifically, Vibrio vulnificus—a naturally occurring bacteria that lives in warm, salty, or brackish waters. It's not something you can spot with your eyes, but there are ways to figure out when and where it's most likely hanging around. What is Vibrio vulnificus ? This bacteria loves warm water—especially coastal areas where saltwater and freshwater mix (like bays, estuaries, and lagoons). It tends to show up more often when the water hits above 70°F (21°C), which means late spring through early fall is prime time. You'll find it lurking in the waters around the Gulf Coast, Florida, and other warm seaside places, especially after floods or storms that churn everything up and push saltwater inland. No, you can't see it The water could look totally fine—crystal clear, no weird smells, nothing gross floating around—but still be home to Vibrio. That's what makes it so sneaky. You won't know it's there just by looking. So how do you know when it's risky? Here's what to watch for: Location and season: Warm coastal waters = higher risk. If it's summer or early fall and you're in a southern state, especially after heavy rain or a hurricane, the risk goes way up. Warm and brackish water: Brackish water (where saltwater and freshwater mix) is bacteria's favorite hangout. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Book Now And Save up to ₹23.71L on Luxury Homes in Whitefield Sumadhura Group Learn More Undo The warmer it is, the more bacteria are likely multiplying. Check local warnings: Local health departments often issue advisories if bacterial levels spike. Before you dive in, do a quick check online or at the beach for posted warnings or closures. Got cuts? Do not dive: Vibrio doesn't go through healthy skin, but if you've got a cut, scrape, or healing tattoo—stay out of risky waters. It gets into your system through broken skin and can cause serious infections fast. What if you do get exposed? Say you took a dip and later you're feeling... off. Here's what to watch for: Pain, redness, or swelling around a cut or scrape Skin turning purple or developing ulcers or blisters Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting These signs can show up within hours, so don't wait around. Go see a doctor ASAP if this happens after water exposure. Can you test the water yourself? Not really. There's no pool kit or strip test for this. Most Vibrio testing is done by researchers or public health labs. Since the bacteria live naturally in water and spike when it gets warm, it's tough to track in real time unless a local agency is already monitoring it. Vibrio vulnificus sounds terrifying (because it kind of is), but you don't need to panic—just be smart. Knowing where and when the risk is highest, being cautious with wounds, and keeping an eye out for symptoms can go a long way in keeping you safe. So swim smart, and if in doubt, sit that dip out.
News18
4 days ago
- Health
- News18
The Deadly Flesh-Eating Bacteria: What You Need To Know About Vibrio Vulnificus
Last Updated: A rare flesh-eating bacteria lurking in warm coastal waters has claimed lives in Florida, raising urgent health concerns. As temperatures rise in the summer, so does the risk of bacterial infections—especially those caused by heat-loving microbes. Some bacteria flourish in warm climates, becoming potent enough to overwhelm human immune systems and cause life-threatening illnesses. In a disturbing development in 2025, four individuals in Florida lost their lives to a rare, flesh-eating bacteria. These fatalities are part of 11 confirmed cases this year alone. So, what exactly is this dangerous bacteria spreading across parts of the U.S.? The culprit is Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but deadly bacterium that thrives in warm, brackish water. According to Florida health authorities, the bacteria has been responsible for 448 reported infections and 100 deaths in the state since 2016. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Vibrio vulnificus is typically found in higher concentrations from May through October, coinciding with warmer ocean temperatures. The CDC estimates around 80,000 Vibrio infections and roughly 100 related deaths occur in the U.S. annually, although not all are caused by Vibrio vulnificus specifically. Who faces the greatest risk? The recent Florida deaths occurred in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, and St. Johns counties, with additional cases found in Duval, Escambia, Lee, Manatee, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties. Those with compromised immune systems or chronic health issues are most at risk. 'People who are most vulnerable include those undergoing chemotherapy, individuals with liver disease like cirrhosis, and anyone with weakened immune defenses," explained Dr. Edward Hirsch, an infectious disease expert at HCA Florida University Hospital, in an interview with CBS News. Ingesting the bacteria may lead to symptoms such as: Diarrhea Stomach pain Nausea Vomiting Fever When the bacteria enters the body through an open wound, signs may include: Swelling Skin discoloration Ulcers or skin breakdown Dr. Hirsch notes that the infection can cause the affected tissue to break down rapidly, potentially leading to holes in the skin or deeper tissue destruction. Why is it called a flesh-eating bacteria? Despite the name, Vibrio vulnificus doesn't literally 'eat" flesh. Instead, it kills surrounding tissue, often leading to a condition known as necrotizing fasciitis. Once this sets in, urgent medical treatment is necessary sometimes requiring extensive surgery or even limb amputation. How can you protect yourself? Preventing Vibrio vulnificus infections involves a few simple but crucial steps: Avoid swimming in saltwater or brackish water if you have cuts or open wounds If injured in the water, exit immediately and clean the wound thoroughly Use waterproof bandages to protect existing wounds that may come in contact with water or seafood Always clean and cook seafood properly Seek medical attention promptly if any wounds show signs of infection after exposure to coastal waters While Vibrio vulnificus infections are rare, their effects can be devastating. Awareness, caution, and quick action are key to staying safe during the warm summer months. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Rare flesh-eating bacteria on the rise in the US: Causes, symptoms, who is at risk, prevention and more
Image credits: Getty Images The warm temperatures of the summer are perfect breeding climates for a variety of bacteria that thrive in increasing temperatures. These developed and quickly rising bacteria are strong enough to battle the immune system and lead to severe health problems, including death. In 2025, a rare flesh-eating bacteria led to the death of four people in Florida. These deaths are among the 11 cases of bacterial infection confirmed in the year so far. What is this bacteria and how is it fatal? Know all about it below! What is the flesh-eating bacteria attacking Americans? Since 2016, Florida has recorded 448 cases and 100 deaths, all because of Vibrio Vulnificus. This is a rare flesh-eating bacteria found in warm, brackish seawater, according to state health officials. According to the Centres for Disease Prevention and Control, the bacteria are naturally found in higher numbers from May to October, due to the warm temperatures. How do people get infected? Image credits: X/@erlesen Vibrio Vulnificus infections are rare, with about 80,000 Vibrio cases and 100 related deaths each year in the United States, as per the CDC. The infections are mostly caused by the consumption of contaminated raw or undercooked seafood, when an open wound comes into contact with the bacteria-infected coastal waters, or when someone swallows the water. Who is at risk? This year, the deaths due to the bacteria occurred in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough and St. Johns counties. Other cases have been confirmed in Duval, Escambia, Lee, Manatee, Santa Rosa and Walton counties. The bacteria pose a high risk to individuals with weak immune systems or chronic health conditions. "People who are most at risk are immunocompromised — people with cirrhosis, people on chemo, anybody who has a compromised immune system of any kind," said Dr. Edward Hirsch, an infectious disease specialist at HCA Florida University Hospital, to CBS NEWS. What are the symptoms of Vibrio Vulnificus ? Image credits: X/@ChrisRobbinsWX Common symptoms of the bacterial infection include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever, as per the CDC. With open wounds, symptoms can be discolouration, swelling, skin breakdown and ulcers. According to Hirsch, "It progresses to making a hole in whatever part of your body got infected." How is Vibrio Vulnificus a flesh-eating bacteria? The bacteria don't eat, but kill the tissue. It can not penetrate unharmed skin, but if it enters through an existing break- like a wound, it can cause necrotizing fasciitis, and the flesh around the infection site could die. Then, according to the CDC, the infected site could require a major surgery or even limb amputation. How to prevent Vibrio Vulnificus infections? Image credits: X/@cnile56ace One of the primary methods of prevention is to rinse off after swimming in ocean water and properly clean and cook seafood, as these are the two main sources of infections. According to the Florida Department of Health and the CDC, other prevention tips include: Stay out of saltwater or brackish water if you have a wound or cut. If you get a cut in the water, leave the water immediately. Cover the wounds with a waterproof bandage if they come in contact with contaminated water or seafood. Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other seafood with raw seafood. Immediately visit a medical professional for infected wounds.
NBC News
5 days ago
- Health
- NBC News
Four people have died from flesh-eating bacteria in Florida. Who is at risk?
Four people in Florida have died this year from bacterial infections that can cause 'flesh-eating' wounds, the state's health department reported this month. The culprit, the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus, thrives in warm seawater. The deadly cases were seen in counties spread around Florida's extensive coastline, from Bay County in the Panhandle and Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, on the Gulf Coast, to Broward County in southeastern Florida and St. Johns County just south of Jacksonville. Florida has seen 11 Vibrio vulnificus cases so far this year, the state's health department says. The bacteria can get into the body through open wounds in the skin and cause the surrounding tissue to die, a condition known as necrotizing fasciitis, or flesh-eating disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People can also get Vibrio vulnificus from eating contaminated foods, particularly raw oysters. It's unclear how the people in Florida were infected. About 1 in 5 people with a Vibrio vulnificus infection die, the CDC says. Antarpreet Jutla, an engineering professor at the University of Florida who researches Vibrio bacteria, said Vibrio vulnificus infections are still rare, though they tend to increase after hurricanes. Last year, Florida saw a total of 82 cases, which may have been exacerbated by the 'extremely active' hurricane season. What is Vibrio vulnificus? Vibrio vulnificus is one of over 200 species of Vibrio bacteria, said Rita Colwell, a professor emerita of microbiology at the University of Maryland. The majority of Vibrio infections aren't harmful to humans, Jutla said. Some only affect other animals. But Vibrio bacteria do cause about 80,000 infections in people each year, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Most of those cases are gastrointestinal. Only a small handful — 100 to 200 cases — are due to Vibrio vulnificus. Other Vibrio species, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus, are often the cause of those stomach illnesses. Another type of Vibrio, Vibrio cholorae, causes the diarrheal disease cholera. Because Vibrio bacteria prefer warm water, they are typically found along the southeastern shores of the U.S., but are also found on the West Coast as well. As ocean temperatures warm, more cases have been found further north in recent years, Jutla said, including some in New York, Connecticut and Maryland. Who is at risk? Vibrio bacteria can creep in open wounds after spending time in salty or brackish water, said Dr. Norman Beatty, an infectious disease doctor at University of Florida Health. Most cases he's seen have been associated with spending extended time in the water, but he says that a brief exposure could be the 'only thing needed.' Visible signs of an infection can start in just a few hours, Beatty said, and include redness, swelling and 'bull's-eye' blisters. The site will also be painful. If infection progresses, it can get into the bloodstream and cause sepsis, which can be deadly. Symptoms of sepsis include fever, chills and dangerously low blood pressure, according to the CDC. People with liver cirrhosis, weakened immune systems and those over 65 are most at risk for infection, Jutla said. Vibrio vulnificus infections can be treated with antibiotics. How to prevent Vibrio infections Beatty said he recommends covering up any open wounds before going into the ocean. Even a waterproof Band-Aid does the job, he said. If people think they have an infection, they should seek care immediately, Beatty said. Delaying can be the difference between developing severe complications and a more mild infection. 'A delay in presenting to health care is truly the likely reason why most people have a more serious outcome than others,' he said. 'People who present within the same day with signs and symptoms of early infection, who receive antibiotics, can do well and can avoid a lot of these serious complications.'
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Health crisis in Florida? 'Dangerous' flesh-eating bacteria kills 4 as Vibrio vulnificus infections rise. Check symptoms
At least four people have died and seven others have been sickened in Florida amid a rise in cases of Vibrio vulnificus . It is a flesh-eating bacteria that thrive in saltwater and brackish water (a mix of salt and fresh water) and cause a condition called vibriosis, reports PEOPLE. The state's health department confirmed that a dangerous flesh-eating bacteria has claimed the lives of four people in Florida and a total of 11 infections have been reported in 2025. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Vibrio vulnificus in Florida According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, vibrio vulnificus is part of a wider group of Vibrio bacteria, which are found in coastal waters. It typically lives in warm, brackish seawater, and can enter open wounds when people are swimming. ALSO READ: Coldplay concert dates in US: A look at ticket prices at Camp Randall Stadium in Wisconsin to be held tomorrow The Florida health department noted another potential source of infection is raw shellfish, especially oysters. Although infections are rare, Vibrio vulnificus can cause an illness called vibriosis, often marked by vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, as well as potentially severe skin infections, the above source cautioned. Live Events According to CDC's website, signs and symptoms of a Vibrio skin infection include fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration and discharge. While healthy people generally experience only mild symptoms, those who are immunocompromised or have chronic liver disease can face serious health risks. In case the bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can cause septic shock, fever and painful skin blisters. Nearly 50% of such cases are fatal. The Florida Health Department reports that although these numbers are down from last year, 2024 saw a rise in vibriosis cases due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, which caused flooding and increased contact with contaminated water. In 2022, there was a similar spike after Hurricane Ian. ALSO READ: Stimulus payments worth $300 to $1,700 to hit bank accounts of Americans in days. Check eligibility and key dates 'Flesh eating bacteria': Diagnosis and Treatment Some severe cases can cause an infection called necrotizing fasciitis, which is when the flesh around an open wound dies, the CDC cautions. This rare side effect has led to Vibrio vulnificus being described as a 'flesh-eating bacteria.' No cases of person-to-person transmission have been reported, Florida Health stated. The bacterial infection is diagnosed by testing cultures obtained from stool, wounds or blood, according to health officials. For mild infections, the CDC recommends increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Surgery may be necessary to remove dead tissue if you are infected with wounds. 'Aggressive attention should be given to the wound site; for patients with wound infections, amputation of the infected limb is sometimes necessary,' Florida Health stated. About one in five people will die from the infection, sometimes within a day or two of illness, the CDC states. ALSO READ: Did Chris Martin regret after exposing Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR chief's apparent 'affair' on Coldplay kiss cam? Videos emerge Prevention tips for 'flesh-eating bacteria' -Don't enter saltwater or brackish water if you have any fresh cuts, scrapes and wounds, warn health officials. -It's also recommended not to consume raw oysters and other raw shellfish, and to avoid cross-contamination of other foods with raw seafood or its juices. -Protective gloves should be worn when handling raw shellfish. -Those with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV or thalassemia (a group of hereditary blood disorders) — as well as those who are taking immune-suppressing medications — are at a higher risk of complications and should take extra precautions, the CDC warns.
