Flesh-eating bacteria kills multiple persons across USA, hospitalizations surge. Symptoms, illness, treatment, how to prevent
FAQs
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
States across the United States of America are warning beachgoers about a summertime surge in infections from a frightening, flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters. Vibrio vulnificus are becoming an annual threat along the Gulf Coast and — increasingly — up the Eastern Seaboard. People should listen to the warnings, said Bernie Stewart, a 65-year-old retired bounty hunter in Florida who counts himself lucky to have survived an infection.In August 2019, Stewart's right leg was infected while he was kayak fishing in Pensacola Bay. What at first appeared to be a sun blister led to three months in the hospital, where doctors performed 10 surgeries to remove decaying skin and prevent the bacteria from killing him. 'This ain't nothing to play with,' Stewart said.Vibrio bacteria thrive in seawater and in the mix of fresh and saltwater found in estuaries and lagoons. Most infections are reported from May to October, and most happen in states along the Gulf Coast. The Gulf's water is "the perfect convergence of the right amount of salt and the right amount of heat to let this organism proliferate,' said Dr. Fred Lopez, an infectious diseases specialist at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans.At least a dozen kinds of Vibrio can cause human illnesses. The nastiest type is Vibrio vulnificus. It accounts for around 200 of the more than 1,000 Vibrio illnesses each year, according to CDC data. As many as 1 in 5 of those infections are fatal — a much higher rate than other types of Vibrio bacteria.Some people become infected by eating eat raw or undercooked shellfish — particularly oysters. But a large percentage fall ill when the person is in ocean or brackish water and the bacteria enter the body through small breaks in the skin.The antibiotics used to treat food poisoning cases don't work as well when the germ enters through breaks in the skin, Lopez said. 'They may require multiple surgeries to remove dead or infected tissue, and sometimes require amputation,' he said.Doctors say severe cases are seen more often in elderly patients, people with weakened immune systems, and those with liver disease, diabetes and certain chronic illnesses.Louisiana has seen an alarming jump in cases this summer, but other states are not. More cases are expected, as this is peak season for Vibrio vulnificus infections.'It is really easy to sound unnecessary alarms because cases have increased, or feel too complacent because cases are low,' when data is incomplete, said Salvador Almagro-Moreno, a St. Jude Children's Research Hospital who has studied the germ.Infections have been reported as far north as New England — Massachusetts recently issued an alert after someone reportedly was infected on Cape Cod.Scientists say climate change is helping the germs proliferate and spread northward. A 2023 study found that the northernmost case has been shifting by about 30 miles each year, and that cases overall have been rising.As of late last week, 20 cases of Vibrio vulnificus had been reported among Louisiana residents this year. All were hospitalized and four died, the state's health department said. That's more than twice the average number of cases for this point in the season, and four times the death toll, state officials said.Florida, which tends to have more infections than other states, has reported 17 Vibrio vulnificus cases and five deaths this year, compared with 82 cases and 19 deaths at the same point last year. State officials say they typically see more cases in years when Florida is hit by tropical storms, and hurricane season is only just beginning, Lopez noted.Vibrio vulnificus can enter the body through unhealed cuts and scrapes, recent piercings and tattoos, and recent surgical incisions. If you have such a wound, try to stay out of saltwater or brackish water, and cover it with a waterproof bandage if there's a chance of exposure.If you do come in contact with coastal waters or raw seafood, immediately wash cuts and scrapes thoroughly with soap and clean running water, the CDC advises.And see a doctor if you start to develop symptoms such as fever, chills, and hot red areas on the skin that start to turn dark and blister.You can also become infected by eating seafood. Health officials say not to eat raw or undercooked oysters or other seafood, and do not let raw seafood, its drippings, or its juices contaminate other foods.Oysters are a particular risk, and there is no way to tell if an oyster is contaminated just by looking at it. Wash hands with soap and water after handing raw shellfish, and wear protective gloves if you have a weakened immune system and are at a higher risk of infection.Health officials also offer cooking instructions for clams, mussels and other shellfish. They recommend throwing away any with open shells before cooking. In Pensacola, Stewart said he's advocated — unsuccessfully — for local officials to post signs about the dangers of going into the bay.A1. Vibrio vulnificus can enter the body through unhealed cuts and scrapes, recent piercings and tattoos, and recent surgical incisions. If you have such a wound, try to stay out of saltwater or brackish water, and cover it with a waterproof bandage if there's a chance of exposure.A2. As of late last week, 20 cases of Vibrio vulnificus had been reported among Louisiana residents this year. All were hospitalized and four died, the state's health department said. Florida, which tends to have more infections than other states, has reported 17 Vibrio vulnificus cases and five deaths this year, compared with 82 cases and 19 deaths at the same point last year.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Flesh-eating bacteria kills multiple persons across USA, hospitalizations surge. Symptoms, illness, treatment, how to prevent
Live Events FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel States across the United States of America are warning beachgoers about a summertime surge in infections from a frightening, flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters. Vibrio vulnificus are becoming an annual threat along the Gulf Coast and — increasingly — up the Eastern Seaboard. People should listen to the warnings, said Bernie Stewart, a 65-year-old retired bounty hunter in Florida who counts himself lucky to have survived an August 2019, Stewart's right leg was infected while he was kayak fishing in Pensacola Bay. What at first appeared to be a sun blister led to three months in the hospital, where doctors performed 10 surgeries to remove decaying skin and prevent the bacteria from killing him. 'This ain't nothing to play with,' Stewart bacteria thrive in seawater and in the mix of fresh and saltwater found in estuaries and lagoons. Most infections are reported from May to October, and most happen in states along the Gulf Coast. The Gulf's water is "the perfect convergence of the right amount of salt and the right amount of heat to let this organism proliferate,' said Dr. Fred Lopez, an infectious diseases specialist at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New least a dozen kinds of Vibrio can cause human illnesses. The nastiest type is Vibrio vulnificus. It accounts for around 200 of the more than 1,000 Vibrio illnesses each year, according to CDC data. As many as 1 in 5 of those infections are fatal — a much higher rate than other types of Vibrio people become infected by eating eat raw or undercooked shellfish — particularly oysters. But a large percentage fall ill when the person is in ocean or brackish water and the bacteria enter the body through small breaks in the antibiotics used to treat food poisoning cases don't work as well when the germ enters through breaks in the skin, Lopez said. 'They may require multiple surgeries to remove dead or infected tissue, and sometimes require amputation,' he say severe cases are seen more often in elderly patients, people with weakened immune systems, and those with liver disease, diabetes and certain chronic has seen an alarming jump in cases this summer, but other states are not. More cases are expected, as this is peak season for Vibrio vulnificus infections.'It is really easy to sound unnecessary alarms because cases have increased, or feel too complacent because cases are low,' when data is incomplete, said Salvador Almagro-Moreno, a St. Jude Children's Research Hospital who has studied the have been reported as far north as New England — Massachusetts recently issued an alert after someone reportedly was infected on Cape say climate change is helping the germs proliferate and spread northward. A 2023 study found that the northernmost case has been shifting by about 30 miles each year, and that cases overall have been of late last week, 20 cases of Vibrio vulnificus had been reported among Louisiana residents this year. All were hospitalized and four died, the state's health department said. That's more than twice the average number of cases for this point in the season, and four times the death toll, state officials which tends to have more infections than other states, has reported 17 Vibrio vulnificus cases and five deaths this year, compared with 82 cases and 19 deaths at the same point last year. State officials say they typically see more cases in years when Florida is hit by tropical storms, and hurricane season is only just beginning, Lopez vulnificus can enter the body through unhealed cuts and scrapes, recent piercings and tattoos, and recent surgical incisions. If you have such a wound, try to stay out of saltwater or brackish water, and cover it with a waterproof bandage if there's a chance of you do come in contact with coastal waters or raw seafood, immediately wash cuts and scrapes thoroughly with soap and clean running water, the CDC see a doctor if you start to develop symptoms such as fever, chills, and hot red areas on the skin that start to turn dark and can also become infected by eating seafood. Health officials say not to eat raw or undercooked oysters or other seafood, and do not let raw seafood, its drippings, or its juices contaminate other are a particular risk, and there is no way to tell if an oyster is contaminated just by looking at it. Wash hands with soap and water after handing raw shellfish, and wear protective gloves if you have a weakened immune system and are at a higher risk of officials also offer cooking instructions for clams, mussels and other shellfish. They recommend throwing away any with open shells before cooking. In Pensacola, Stewart said he's advocated — unsuccessfully — for local officials to post signs about the dangers of going into the bay.A1. Vibrio vulnificus can enter the body through unhealed cuts and scrapes, recent piercings and tattoos, and recent surgical incisions. If you have such a wound, try to stay out of saltwater or brackish water, and cover it with a waterproof bandage if there's a chance of exposure.A2. As of late last week, 20 cases of Vibrio vulnificus had been reported among Louisiana residents this year. All were hospitalized and four died, the state's health department said. Florida, which tends to have more infections than other states, has reported 17 Vibrio vulnificus cases and five deaths this year, compared with 82 cases and 19 deaths at the same point last year.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
From ABCs to mindfulness: Why are US schools suddenly teaching kids to meditate?
Third graders at Roberta T. Smith Elementary School in Georgia had only an hour before lunch and just a few days left until summer break. Yet, there was no chaos, no complaints. The students lined up, closed their eyes, and traced their thumbs from forehead to heart as a pre-recorded voice led them through a meditation called the 'shark fin'—part of their daily mindfulness routine, according to the Associated Press. 'Listen to the chimes,' teacher Kim Franklin said. 'Remember to breathe.' For these children, this isn't just another class. It's the part of the day they actually look forward to. And across the US, classrooms are quietly embracing a new subject: Mindfulness. From curiosity to the mainstream Mindfulness has traveled a long road in the last two decades. Once a fringe, new-age idea, it has now become a practical tool in American life, helping people manage stress and stay grounded. Researchers estimate that over 1 million children in the US — mostly in elementary schools — have experienced mindfulness in the classroom, usually guided by teachers or school counselors, according to The Conversation. The pandemic made the need urgent. After months of isolation, children returned to schools carrying anxiety, sadness, and stress. In 2023, the CDC reported that over a third of students struggled with persistent sadness or hopelessness, and recommended that schools use mindfulness practices to help children manage their emotions. Why mindfulness matters for kids At Smith Elementary, the mindfulness program is supported by Clayton County Public Schools and GreenLight Fund Atlanta, which focuses on making these programs accessible to communities of color. The Inner Explorer platform guides students and teachers through short five- to ten-minute sessions of breathing, meditation, and reflection, several times a day. Today, the program is in over 100 districts nationwide, including Atlanta Public Schools, as reported by the Associated Press. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen told the AP, 'We know that our teenagers and adolescents have really strained in their mental health. There are real skills that we can give our teens to make sure that they are coping with some big emotions.' Students themselves feel the impact. Nine-year-old Aniyah Woods said the program helps her 'calm down' and 'not stress anymore,' while Malachi Smith added, 'You can relax yourself with the shark fin, and when I calm myself down, I realize I am an excellent scholar,' according to the Associated Press. Mindfulness in schools : What it really means Mindfulness is not just about breathing. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a mindfulness expert, defines it as 'paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, nonjudgmentally, in the present moment.' It's a way of being — a child's approach to every moment, whether pleasant or unpleasant. Yet, not all programs are the same. Some focus on movement or yoga, others on interpersonal skills like kindness, and still others on self-awareness or understanding the brain. Lessons range from as few as five to as many as 44 sessions, stretching over weeks or a full school year, according to The Conversation. Research shows mindfulness can improve focus, emotional regulation, and mental health, but results aren't always consistent. A 2022 study found no significant changes in students who received mindfulness instruction, though some experts argued the curriculum may have been too advanced for middle school children, as reported by The Conversation. A lifeline for students of color Mindfulness is also a response to gaps in mental health support. Black children face the fastest-growing suicide rates among racial groups. Between 2007 and 2020, suicide among Black youth ages 10 to 17 increased by 144 percent, according to CDC statistics. Tolana Griggs, assistant principal at Smith Elementary, said, 'With our diverse school community and wanting to be more aware of our students, how different cultures feel and how different cultures react to things, it's important to be all-inclusive with everything we do,' as reported by the Associated Press. In many schools serving mostly students of color, access to psychologists and counselors is limited. Programs like Inner Explorer offer an accessible way to provide tools for mental health support and emotional regulation. The classroom of today, and tomorrow Mindfulness is slowly becoming as fundamental as reading, writing, and math. Short meditations, mindful movement, and reflection exercises help students calm down, focus better, and regulate emotions. Students are learning more than ABCs, they're learning how to breathe, reflect, and be present. And in a generation navigating post-pandemic stress, social media pressures, and academic demands, those skills might be just as essential as any lesson in a textbook. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Economic Times
12 hours ago
- Economic Times
New Covid variant in US linked to pain chest and trouble staying awake: Check symptoms, treatment and prevention tips
Synopsis United States is seeing a rise in Covid cases in the summer season a new variant 'XFG' is to be blamed for the rise. As of August 9, XFG is now the dominant variant circulating in the US with western and southern states being the worst-hit. Experts have recommended a medical attention if you have inability to wake or stay awake. COVID can spike throughout the year, but tends to cause two distinct waves annually in the U.S., one in the winter and another in the summer. Covid-19 cases are rising across the United States as the country is facing a late summer wave driven by highly transmissible new variant known as 'XFG' variant. The data shows Covid-19 cases are rising in most US states, particularly in West and South, and COVID-related emergency room visits are up among all age groups, reports to CDC's latest data, during the week ending on Aug. 9, 8.9% of the 28,051 Americans tested were positive for COVID-19 and this was a 0.6 percent hike from the week prior. During the same period, 0.4% of cases resulted in death and 1% resulted in an emergency room visit, a 0.1% increase from the week prior for both categories, reports USA Today. Covid-19 cases are seeing a surge in the US and the current spike in COVID-19 in the US is being fueled by the mutated XFG variant, aka "Stratus," which is spreading rapidly worldwide. The XFG variant, first detected in January in Southeast Asia, resulted in spike in US Covid cases in March and has surpassed the NB.1.8.1 or 'Nimbus variant". ALSO READ: XFG 'Stratus' Covid variant in US: 8 key facts, risky states, symptoms, prevention As of August 9, XFG is now the dominant variant circulating in the US, according to wastewater data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Western and Southern states, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, as well as Alaska, had higher percentages of positive COVID-19 tests during the week ending August 9. XFG, a combination of variants F.7 and LP.8.1.2, is on the rise as of late, having been responsible for 0% of U.S. cases through March, 11% by early June and 14% by late June. As many as 11 US states are reporting 'high' or 'very high' levels and hard-hit states include Texas, California, and Florida. On June 25, the World Health Organization had classified XFG as a 'variant under monitoring' due to its rapid global spread. At that time, XFG had been detected in 38 countries and made up 22% of cases, globally. XFG is a recombinant or hybrid of two existing omicron strains, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2, per the READ: Small US town proposes massive 225% property tax hike, highest increase in state: What it means for your wallet? '(XFG) is part of the very large omicron family of variants,' Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told XFG also has several unique mutations in its spike protein, which have been shown to improve the virus's ability to evade COVID-19 antibodies from prior infection or vaccination, per the WHO. Sore throat CoughCongestion or runny noseFever or chillsShortness of breathNew loss of sense of taste or smellFatigueHeadacheMuscle achesNausea, vomiting or diarrheaDuring the week ending Aug. 9, the following states reported the highest wastewater viral activity levels, per the CDC:AlabamaAlaskaCaliforniaConnecticutFloridaHawaiiLouisianaNevadaSouth CarolinaTexasUtah ALSO READ: Want student loan forgiveness? Register as ICE agent, says US government. Are you eligible for the relief? COVID can spike throughout the year, but tends to cause two distinct waves annually in the U.S., one in the winter and another in the summer. These surges are driven by new variants and decreasing immunity from prior infection and vaccination, as well as peaks in travel, experts current wave began around July. It's unclear when it will peak, but it's not showing any signs of slowing test positivity rate is about 9% as of Aug. 12 , per the CDC — during the peak of last summer's COVID wave, it was 18%.'COVID-19 continues to rise, with (wastewater) concentrations increasing by approximately 60% from last month,' a WastewaterSCAN spokesperson told Today. The Pandemic Mitigation Collective's COVID forecasting model, which uses data from various sources, estimates that there are an average of 512,000 new daily infections in the U.S. as of Aug of Aug. 10, emergency visits for COVID-19 are increasing among people of all ages, with a noticeable uptick among children under 12, per CDC data. ALSO READ: 1,000 foot mega-tsunami could wipe out large parts of America? These US states face maximum threat from monster wave COVID-19 vaccination is safe, effective, and one of the best ways to prevent severe illness and complications from COVID vaccines are expected to remain effective against the XFG variant, the WHO said."Given these dominant strains now are part of the omicron family, last year's vaccine and the anticipated updated vaccines should cover these new strains," Schaffner told CDC advises seeking medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms:Trouble pain or pressure in the to wake or stay on skin tone, lips, nail beds and skin may appear pale, gray, or blue.
