Latest news with #VibrioVulnificus
Sustainability Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Sustainability Times
'We're Seeing Flesh-Eating Infections Everywhere': Vibrio Vulnificus Bacteria Surge Triggers Panic on Gulf Coast as Experts Warn Even Shellfish Are Deadly
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 The Gulf Coast faces a rising threat from the flesh-eating bacterium Vibrio vulnificus, prompting health alerts. Vibrio vulnificus, prompting health alerts. 🦠 Vibrio infections can occur through contact with contaminated water or by consuming raw shellfish like oysters. or by consuming raw shellfish like oysters. 🚨 Symptoms appear swiftly, with severe cases leading to internal bleeding , necrosis, or organ damage. , necrosis, or organ damage. 🛑 Experts recommend avoiding raw shellfish and seawater exposure if you have open wounds to reduce infection risk. The coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, renowned for their inviting beaches and warm temperatures, have become a source of concern for health officials in the United States. A deadly bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, commonly dubbed the 'flesh-eating' bacterium, has alarmed the health community due to an unusual uptick in cases. This summer alone, eight fatalities have been reported, and numerous individuals have been hospitalized, marking a significant increase from previous years. The bacterium's ability to cause severe infections that destroy skin and tissue has earned it a fearsome reputation, prompting urgent calls for public awareness and safety measures. The Threat of Vibrio Vulnificus Vibrio vulnificus, often referred to as the 'flesh-eating' bacterium, has cast a shadow over the idyllic beaches of the Gulf Coast. This bacterium, which thrives in warm, brackish waters, has been linked to serious, sometimes fatal infections. In a typical year, the United States sees approximately 100 to 200 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections, but recent statistics have shown a worrying rise. This year, eight deaths have been attributed to the bacterium, with many more individuals requiring hospitalization. The bacterium's presence in popular tourist destinations such as Louisiana and Florida has heightened the urgency for public health interventions. The danger posed by Vibrio vulnificus is not limited to direct contact with contaminated water. The bacterium can also infect individuals who consume raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. As a result, health authorities have intensified their warnings, urging beachgoers and seafood lovers to exercise caution. The rapid progression and severity of infections necessitate immediate medical attention, further emphasizing the importance of preventive measures. Cold Plunges Are a Scam for Women and Science Just Dropped the Mic on This Freezing Hot Fitness Fad Understanding the Infection While Vibrio vulnificus infections are relatively rare, they can occur through several pathways. The bacterium can enter the body through open wounds exposed to contaminated water or through the consumption of raw, contaminated shellfish. Symptoms of infection can manifest within 24 hours and may include fever, skin redness or rashes, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, rapid heart rate and low blood pressure. More severe complications can involve internal bleeding, necrosis, and organ damage. Given the potential severity of these infections, early detection and treatment are critical. Antibiotics are the primary treatment for Vibrio vulnificus infections, but the need for prompt medical attention cannot be overstated. In some cases, aggressive medical interventions such as fluid drainage or even surgical amputation may be necessary to prevent further tissue damage and save lives. The quick onset and potentially devastating effects of the infection underscore the need for heightened vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines. 'Your Breath Is a Signature': Scientists Reveal Human Breath Is as Unique and Traceable as a Fingerprint Expert Recommendations for Prevention The threat posed by Vibrio vulnificus has prompted health experts to issue a series of recommendations aimed at minimizing the risk of infection. Key among these is the avoidance of raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, which have been identified as a significant vector for the bacterium. Hand hygiene is also crucial; individuals are advised to wash their hands thoroughly after handling raw shellfish. For those with open wounds or skin lesions, avoiding contact with seawater is strongly advised. Health professionals stress the importance of covering wounds with waterproof bandages if exposure to water is unavoidable. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic liver disease are particularly vulnerable and should exercise extra caution. « This brewing habit could silently hurt you »: these common coffee preparation methods directly linked to increased heart disease risk Without timely treatment, Vibrio vulnificus infections can be fatal in a matter of days, with a mortality rate exceeding 50%. Healthcare providers emphasize the importance of public awareness and education to prevent the spread of this dangerous bacterium. By following recommended safety measures, individuals can enjoy the coastal waters with reduced risk of infection, ensuring that their summer activities remain both enjoyable and safe. A Call for Vigilance and Action The rising incidence of Vibrio vulnificus infections along the Gulf Coast serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present risks associated with coastal recreation and seafood consumption. Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, with ongoing efforts to educate the public about preventive measures and the importance of early medical intervention. As communities work to balance the allure of the beach with the need for safety, the question remains: How can we better protect ourselves and our loved ones from this silent threat while still enjoying the natural beauty of our coastal regions? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (26)
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Flesh-eating bacteria deaths are rising along the southeastern US coast
Deaths from Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacterium, are increasing along the southeastern US coast, with at least five fatalities reported in Florida, four in Louisiana, and one in North Carolina this year. The bacteria thrive in warm seawater and can cause necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection, with a 20 percent fatality rate among those infected. Health officials have recorded 16 cases in Florida, 17 in Louisiana, seven in North Carolina, and three in Mississippi this year. Infections can occur through open wounds exposed to salty or brackish water, or by consuming contaminated raw seafood like oysters. Experts note an unusual spike in cases early this summer, potentially linked to high plankton concentrations or the aftermath of hurricanes, which stir up bacteria in floodwaters.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Cases of flesh-eating bacteria on the rise in US
The threat posed by flesh-eating bacteria lurking on beaches and in rivers this summer is looming larger by the week, as cases climb into the double digits and deaths are following suit. Vibrio vulnificus eats away at tissues in the skin until they shrivel, turn black, and die, a condition called necrotizing fasciitis, requiring lengthy surgery to strip the dead skin from the patient's body or amputation to remove the limb to save the person's life. The bacteria typically populates the waters off the Gulf Coast, but has slowly made its way northward, appearing in the waters off North Carolina, where it has infected 59 people and killed one since January 1, according to state health records. Florida, meanwhile, has reported 16 cases this year and a death toll of five. And Louisiana health officials have reported 17 cases of Vibrio vulnificus so far this year, four of which have proven fatal. Deadly bacteria living in coastal and brackish waters (a mix of fresh and salt water) can infect swimmers through open wounds or strike unsuspecting diners who eat raw or undercooked seafood like oysters. These temperatures are becoming more common as the planet warms, and as ocean temperatures rise, Vibrio is spreading further north and remaining on coasts longer. Worsening storms and flooding are also washing the bacteria into freshwater, putting swimmers and seafood lovers at higher risk. While Florida's tally thus far falls short of the annual average of 48 cases and 11 deaths, in Louisiana, the state's averages for both have been dwarfed by the current figures. In 2019 in Texas, Adam Perez, 42, was hospitalized and lost most of the flesh on the lower half of his right leg after a dangerous dip in Waters Edge Park in Corpus Christi. He had to undergo four different life-saving surgeries, including skin grafts over his leg. 'This is a very scary-sounding bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus. Fortunately, it is rare, but it can be very deadly,' Dr Alok Patel, a pediatrician at Stanford Children's Health, told ABC News. Vibrio kills, on average, 20 percent of its victims, though in people with compromised immune systems, that figure jumps to at least 30 percent. In severe cases, when it causes sepsis or necrotizing fasciitis, the risk of death climbs to 70 percent. About 80 percent of people who become infected contract it from contact with seawater, while 20 percent of infections are caused by consumption of raw seafood. About 150 to 200 V. vulnificus infections are reported to the CDC each year and trends suggest cases are rising. A sweeping review of CDC data from 1988 to 2018 revealed that Vibrio wound infections on the East Coast surged eightfold, from about 10 to over 80 cases per year. Rachel Noble, a microbiologist at UNC-Chapel Hill's Institute of Marine Sciences, said : 'Every water sample we collect along the [North Carolina] coast now contains some kind of Vibrio. That wasn't true two decades ago.' When V. vulnificus is not fatal, it still can leave lifelong complications. When it enters a wound, the bacteria proliferate quickly and release toxins that tear tissue and blood vessels apart. The infection can penetrate deeper layers of the skin, muscle, and bloodstream in a matter of hours. From there, the skin develops blisters and open sores. It becomes red, then purple, then black. Blood pressure plummets, and the body becomes feverish. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream, they cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition that ravages the organs until they fail. Urgent medical care is needed to stop this process in its tracks, including antibiotics, emergency surgery to remove the dead tissue, and, potentially, amputation.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Deadly flesh-eating bacteria spread across beaches... as cases surge in terrifying rise
The threat posed by flesh-eating bacteria lurking on beaches and in rivers this summer is looming larger by the week, as cases climb into the double digits and deaths are following suit. Vibrio vulnificus eats away at tissues in the skin until they shrivel, turn black, and die, a condition called necrotizing fasciitis, requiring lengthy surgery to strip the dead skin from the patient's body or amputation to remove the limb to save the person's life. The bacteria typically populates the waters off the Gulf Coast, but has slowly made its way northward, appearing in the waters off North Carolina, where it has infected 59 people and killed one since January 1, according to state health records. Florida, meanwhile, has reported 16 cases this year and a death toll of five. And Louisiana health officials have reported 17 cases of Vibrio vulnificus so far this year, four of which have proven fatal. Deadly bacteria living in coastal and brackish waters (a mix of fresh and salt water) can infect swimmers through open wounds or strike unsuspecting diners who eat raw or undercooked seafood like oysters. Health experts warn the bug can cause everything from nasty bouts of stomach illness to dangerous wound infections and, in the most severe cases, it can trigger life-threatening blood poisoning. The bacteria's steady rise is, experts believe, a consequence of warming waters. The bacteria thrive in waters between 68 degrees Fahrenheit and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius). These temperatures are becoming more common as the planet warms, and as ocean temperatures rise, Vibrio is spreading further north and remaining on coasts longer. Worsening storms and flooding are also washing the bacteria into freshwater, putting swimmers and seafood lovers at higher risk. While Florida's tally thus far falls short of the annual average of 48 cases and 11 deaths, in Louisiana, the state's averages for both have been dwarfed by the current figures. There have been 17 cases so far this year, including four deaths. By comparison, an average of seven V. vulnificus cases and one death have been reported each year in Louisiana over the previous 10 years. All 17 patients have been hospitalized, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Texas saw an average number of Vibrio cases of about 33 per year from 2015 to 2019, the latest year available. Annually, cases have fluctuated between 22 to 36. In 2019 in Texas, Adam Perez, 42, was hospitalized and lost most of the flesh on the lower half of his right leg after a dangerous dip in Waters Edge Park in Corpus Christi. He had to undergo four different life-saving surgeries, including skin grafts over his leg. 'This is a very scary-sounding bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus. Fortunately, it is rare, but it can be very deadly,' Dr Alok Patel, a pediatrician at Stanford Children's Health, told ABC News. Vibrio kills, on average, 20 percent of its victims, though in people with compromised immune systems, that figure jumps to at least 30 percent. In severe cases, when it causes sepsis or necrotizing fasciitis, the risk of death climbs to 70 percent. About 80 percent of people who become infected contract it from contact with seawater, while 20 percent of infections are caused by consumption of raw seafood. About 150 to 200 V. vulnificus infections are reported to the CDC each year and trends suggest cases are rising. A sweeping review of CDC data from 1988 to 2018 revealed that Vibrio wound infections on the East Coast surged eightfold, from about 10 to over 80 cases per year. Rachel Noble, a microbiologist at UNC-Chapel Hill's Institute of Marine Sciences, said: 'Every water sample we collect along the [North Carolina] coast now contains some kind of Vibrio. That wasn't true two decades ago.' When V. vulnificus is not fatal, it still can leave lifelong complications. When it enters a wound, the bacteria proliferate quickly and release toxins that tear tissue and blood vessels apart. The infection can penetrate deeper layers of the skin, muscle, and bloodstream in a matter of hours. From there, the skin develops blisters and open sores. It becomes red, then purple, then black. Blood pressure plummets, and the body becomes feverish. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream, they cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition that ravages the organs until they fail. Urgent medical care is needed to stop this process in its tracks, including antibiotics, emergency surgery to remove the dead tissue, and, potentially, amputation.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
What Is Vibrio Vulnificus? Deadly Warm-Water Bacteria Is Spreading In The Southeast.
Almost a dozen people have died this year in the Southeast after contracting a flesh-eating bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus that thrives in warm water and can be exacerbated by hurricanes hitting the coast. An oyster on May 19, 2024. AFP via Getty Images Health departments in several states are warning residents about a mysterious and unusual rise in the bacteria after dozens of cases were confirmed across 11 states and at least nine deaths were attributed to an infection, with a tenth attributed to another vibrio species. At least 57 cases have been confirmed this year, according to Today, with the highest numbers in Louisiana (17), Florida (13) and North Carolina (7). Five people have died from Vibrio vulnificus infections in Florida and four have died in Louisiana, but it's still unclear how exactly the victims contracted the bacteria, which can be spread through infected sea water or through eating raw or undercooked shellfish. The bacteria thrives in warm water, meaning summertime is the most common time for infections, but one expert told NBC News the number of deaths is still high for this point in the season and another told Today that infections have been steadily rising for the last six to seven years. Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We're launching text message alerts so you'll always know the biggest stories shaping the day's headlines. Text 'Alerts' to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here : 'This is certainly not normal, that's one thing,' Jantarpreet Jutla, an engineering professor at the University of Florida, told NBC News. 'We haven't had that many cases early on in the summer for a very long time.' Vibrio are bacteria that naturally live in coastal waters and there are about a dozen different kinds of Vibrio that can lead to vibriosis infections, including vulnificus, which can cause severe and life-threatening infections. Vibrio bacteria thrive in warm seawater and particularly in brackish water—the mix of fresh and salt water found in estuaries and wetlands. How Are People Infected With Vibrio? People can get vibriosis after swallowing Vibrio or getting it in a wound. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says eating contaminated food is the most common way to contract a vibriosis infection, claiming it's responsible for more than half of the estimated vibriosis cases each year. Oysters and other shellfish are the most common carriers of Vibrio. People with open wounds can also be exposed to Vibrio through direct contact with seawater and some infections, like of Vibrio vulnificus, can lead to necrotizing fasciitis that kills the flesh around an open would, leading to the moniker "flesh-eating bacteria." There is no evidence that vibriosis is transmissible person to person. What Are The Symptoms Of Vibrio Vulnificus? Those who contracted the infection following the ingestion of raw seafood typically present with fever, chills, blistering skin lesions or dangerously low blood pressure. Wound infections typically come with fever, redness, pain, swelling, discharge and discoloration. Vibrio vulnificus infections are diagnosed by stool, wound or blood cultures. How Deadly Is Vibrio Vulnificus? A Vibrio vulnificus infection can lead to serious illness and need intensive care or limb amputation. About one in five people with the infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming sick, according to the CDC. Vibrio vulnificus infections tend to increase after hurricanes. Paul Gulig, a professor and member of the University of Florida Emerging Pathogens Institute, credits Hurricanes Katrina, Irma and Ian with increasing the visibility of the bacteria. When brackish hurricane waters flooded the streets, cases of the bacterial infection rose. Florida saw a total of 82 cases last year (up from 46 in 2023) after its busy hurricane season. The National Weather Service has predicted a slightly above-normal season for this year thanks to warm ocean temperatures. NOAA estimates there will be between 13 and 19 named storms this year, with six to 10 developing into hurricanes. Further Reading Forbes New Virus Outbreak In China: What To Know About The Chikungunya Virus By Mary Whitfill Roeloffs Forbes Legionnaires' Disease Threatens NYC Again—Here's What Causes It And Who's Most At Risk By Zachary Folk
