Flesh-Eating Bacteria Warning by CDC

Flesh-Eating Bacteria Warning by CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a national health alert, urging healthcare providers to remain vigilant regarding the flesh-eating bacteria known as Vibrio vulnificus.

This advisory follows recent reports of fatal Vibrio vulnificus infections, including both wound and foodborne cases. The CDC emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals considering V. vulnificus as a potential cause of infected wounds, especially those exposed to coastal waters. This concern is particularly pertinent near the Gulf of Mexico and the East Coast, especially during periods of elevated coastal sea surface temperatures.

The alert was prompted by a surge in Vibrio infections, resulting in eight fatalities, five of which occurred in Florida. Typically, the CDC records approximately 80,000 infections and 100 deaths from various forms of vibrio annually.

Vibrio infections, often referred to as vibriosis, are caused by bacteria naturally found in warm saltwater or brackish environments, such as bay or gulf waters. Consumption of raw or undercooked contaminated seafood, particularly oysters, is another source of infection. In rare instances, vibriosis can infect the skin when an open wound is exposed to warm seawater. Such wounds can include those from recent surgeries, piercings, tattoos, or routine cuts and scrapes.

Moreover, extreme weather events like coastal floods, hurricanes, and storm surges can lead to coastal water intrusion into inland areas, increasing the risk of infection for individuals exposed to these waters, especially older individuals or those with underlying health conditions, as noted by the CDC.

The term “flesh-eating” bacteria is used because severe cases can result in necrotizing fasciitis, a rare but extremely deadly infection. Typically, infections peak in water from May to October when temperatures are warmer.

Symptoms of vibriosis, the illness caused by the bacteria, encompass watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, chills, fever, shock, skin lesions, and wound infections. These symptoms typically manifest within 24 hours to 3 days after exposure.

For individuals with compromised immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease, vibriosis can be particularly perilous.

Here are some measures to safeguard against vibriosis, recommended by the Alabama Department of Public Health:

1. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, such as oysters.

2. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw shellfish.

3. If you have a wound, including those from recent surgeries, piercings, or tattoos, avoid contact with saltwater or brackish water.

4. When entering the water with a wound, consider using a waterproof bandage to cover it if there’s a possibility of contact with saltwater or brackish water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices.

5. Thoroughly clean wounds and cuts with soap and water if they have been exposed to seawater, raw seafood, or its juices.

6. If you develop a skin infection, inform your healthcare provider if your skin has come into contact with saltwater or brackish water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices.

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