Flesh-eating bacteria cases rise in parts of USA. Treatment, symptoms, locations where is it found?
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
What is Vibrio Vulnificus?
Why are cases increasing?
Who is most at risk?
Tired of too many ads?
Remove Ads
Real-life cases highlight danger
How to stay safe?
FAQs
Emergency alerts have gone out along the Gulf Coast as Vibrio vulnificus , a dangerous flesh eating bacterium, has made an alarming comeback this summer. Health officials in Louisiana, Florida , Mississippi, and Alabama are reporting a sharp rise in infections including multiple deaths far exceeding historical averages.Experts link the rise in cases to rising sea temperatures and flooding, making the bacterial threat more common and widespread. Authorities are urging beachgoers and seafood consumers alike to take precautions during peak summer months.Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium naturally found in warm, brackish waters. It can enter the body through open wounds exposed to seawater or by consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters. Once inside the body, it can cause necrotizing fasciitis , a flesh eating infection that spreads rapidly, sometimes requiring amputation or resulting in death.Experts point to rising ocean temperatures and more frequent flooding as key drivers. Warmer waters help the bacteria thrive and spread farther north than in previous years. With climate change accelerating, the risk window for exposure continues to expand. 'These infections aren't just happening during hurricanes anymore,' said one health official. 'They're becoming a seasonal concern.'While anyone can contract Vibrio vulnificus, people with weakened immune systems, liver disease, or diabetes face the highest risk. According to the CDC, the infection has a mortality rate of up to 50% in vulnerable individuals if not treated quickly.In North Carolina, a man was hospitalized in critical condition after a minor cut from fishing became infected. In Florida, several tourists have been affected in beach destinations, prompting local warnings and temporary shellfish harvest restrictions.Health authorities advise the public to: Avoid seawater if you have open wounds, Wear protective footwear in coastal areas, Fully cook shellfish, especially oysters, Seek immediate medical help for infected cuts or sudden skin changes after water exposure.Though still rare, Vibrio vulnificus infections are increasing in both frequency and geographic range. The CDC estimates about 100 serious cases annually, with roughly 30 deaths numbers that could rise if warming trends continue. As climate change alters coastal ecosystems, experts urge greater public awareness and swift medical intervention to prevent life threatening outcomes.A1. Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium found in warm, brackish coastal waters. It can cause severe infections when it enters the body through open wounds or raw seafood.A2. Swimming is generally safe, but people with open wounds should avoid contact with seawater. Wearing protective footwear can also help prevent cuts and scrapes.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
What Is Alpha-gal Syndrome? The Tick-Borne Allergy Making Red Meat And Dairy Dangerous
Last Updated: Alpha-gal Syndrome from tick bites causes severe allergies to red meat and dairy, with symptoms like itching, hives, and anaphylaxis Red meat and dairy are common in diets around the world, but a rare and serious allergy is turning these everyday foods into potential health threats, all because of a tick bite. Alpha-gal Syndrome, triggered when a person is bitten by certain types of ticks, can cause the immune system to react violently to red meat and even dairy products. As a result, foods that were once safe can suddenly cause severe allergic reactions. The condition is gaining attention worldwide, with cases on the rise and awareness still worryingly low. Symptoms of Alpha-gal Syndrome can include itching, hives, stomach pain, nausea, and even anaphylaxis—a potentially life-threatening reaction. What makes it more difficult to detect is the delayed onset of symptoms, which often appear two to six hours after eating the food. Many patients mistake it for food poisoning or unrelated illness, leading to delayed diagnosis and prolonged suffering. What Is Alpha-gal Syndrome? Alpha-gal Syndrome isn't a typical food allergy. It stems from a sugar molecule called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose—known simply as alpha-gal—which is found in the meat of mammals such as cows, pigs, and deer. After being bitten by certain types of ticks, including the lone star tick and the deer tick, a person's immune system can become sensitised to this molecule. Later, eating red meat or dairy can trigger a severe allergic response. The allergy is particularly tricky because symptoms don't appear immediately. The delayed reaction makes it harder to connect the dots between what someone ate and how they're feeling hours later. Reactions range from mild stomach issues to full-body hives and life-threatening anaphylaxis. According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 450,000 people in the United States alone may be affected by Alpha-gal Syndrome. Once thought to be restricted to the southeastern US, the allergy is now appearing in new areas—including internationally. Serbia recently reported its first confirmed case, according to local magazine Vreme. Currently, there is no cure. Treatment mainly involves avoiding all forms of red meat, dairy, and any food products with hidden animal-based ingredients. Preventing further tick bites is also critical, as each one can increase sensitivity and worsen the allergy. In some cases, the condition may ease over time, but this varies by individual. As scientists continue researching the condition, experts recommend staying vigilant—especially when spending time in tick-prone areas. For those experiencing unexplained reactions after meals, Alpha-gal Syndrome may be worth discussing with a medical professional. view comments 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.
NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
Red Meat Could Be Deadly: Fast-Spreading Disease Sparks Global Health Scare
Red meat, a staple in many diets, is now linked to a rare but serious allergy called Alpha-gal Syndrome. This condition, triggered by a tick bite, causes severe reactions to meat and dairy consumption, including itching and stomach pain. Often mistaken for food poisoning, Alpha-gal Syndrome is a growing concern worldwide. As awareness is low, many cases may go undiagnosed. Experts warn that understanding this allergy is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you're experiencing unusual symptoms after eating meat or dairy, consult a healthcare professional to determine if Alpha-gal Syndrome is the cause. What is alpha-gal syndrome? Alpha-gal syndrome isn't your typical food allergy. It's caused by a sugar molecule called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, or alpha-gal, found in the meat and tissues of mammals like cows, pigs, and deer. After a bite from a tick, especially the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) or deer tick, your immune system can become sensitised to this molecule. Months later, eating red meat or even dairy products can trigger a severe allergic reaction: hives, nausea, abdominal pain, or even life-threatening anaphylaxis. Nearly 450,000 people may be affected in the US alone: According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 450,000 people may be affected. More data and research are needed to understand how many people are affected by this condition. Once believed to be limited to the southeastern US, the condition is now spreading globally as tick populations thrive and expand. According to the Serbian news magazine Vreme, the first case of alpha-gal syndrome has been confirmed in Serbia. Worryingly, many doctors still aren't familiar with alpha-gal syndrome, making diagnosis difficult and delayed. The reaction isn't immediate either. Symptoms typically begin two to six hours after eating a triggering food, making it even harder to trace the cause. Patients often suffer for months without answers. And each tick bite risks intensifying the allergy. There's no cure yet. Avoiding red meat, dairy, and hidden animal-derived ingredients is essential - along with avoiding further tick bites. For some, the condition may fade over time with strict diet control. Scientists are still working to fully understand the disease's mechanics and why only some people react this way. Until then, staying informed and protecting yourself from ticks may be the best defence.
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
New COVID variant Stratus haunting US: What are the symptoms? Here's all you need to know
One COVID variant, 'Stratus', that has become increasingly popular in the United States during this summer and is being widely monitored by health professionals. The Stratus variant (XFG) of COVID-19 is now the third most common in the U.S., with a 14% share of cases. REUTERS/Michele Tantussi/File Photo(REUTERS) Known officially as XFG, the variant was first detected in Southeast Asia back in January. For months, it flew under the radar in the States, barely any reported cases. However, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) detailed XFG accounted for 14% of all U.S. cases by late June, making it the third most common variant in circulation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has added XFG to its monitoring list but describes the variant's global public health risk as 'low.' The good news: WHO says that current COVID-19 vaccines are still 'expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease.' ALSO READ| New COVID variant bizarre symptoms: What treatments are available and how you can protect yourself What is Stratus (XFG) and how is it different? XFG is a recombinant strain, meaning it's a blend of two earlier variants: F.7 and LP.8.1.2 (the latter is now the second most common strain in the U.S.). So, what makes XFG different? Scientists say it may have mutations that help it dodge the immune system more easily. But that doesn't mean it spreads faster. 'There is currently no clear evidence that XFG causes more severe disease or significantly different symptoms than earlier Omicron variants,' Dr. Subhash Verma, professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno. told USA Today. 'Importantly, there are no immediate public health concerns associated with this variant.' How fast is Stratus (XFG) spreading? While it hasn't overtaken the top two variants, XFG made up 0% of U.S. cases in March, climbed to 2% in April, 6% in May, and 14% by late June, according to the CDC. WHO reported a similar spike globally, from 7.4% of cases in early May to 22.7% by the end of June across 38 countries. ALSO READ| Moderna to cut 10% global staff as Covid vaccine sales keep falling What are the symptoms? The CDC continues to list common COVID symptoms such as: Fever or chills Cough Fatigue Sore throat Loss of taste or smell Congestion Muscle aches Shortness of breath Headache Nausea or vomiting
