Five people have been confirmed dead in Florida since January due to a rare flesh-eating bacteria in the waters, while three individuals in New York and Connecticut have also died in recent weeks from the same bacteria.
Deadly flesh eating bacteria cases spark alarm in New York and Florida regions
In 2023, there have been 25 reported cases and five deaths in Florida, according to WFLA.com. The confirmed deaths include two in Hillsborough County, one in Sarasota County, one in Polk County, and one in Pasco County.
Health authorities in New York and Connecticut have stated that three individuals from the New York City vicinity have passed away in the past few weeks. A fourth person has also been hospitalized due to getting infected by a flesh-eating bacteria, the NY Times reported.
Among the fatalities, one occurred in Suffolk County, located on Long Island, while two others happened in Connecticut. In a fourth instance, also in Connecticut, a person fell ill but was discharged from the hospital after treatment.
The bacteria known as Vibrio vulnificus can cause infections that are uncommon yet highly perilous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximates that one out of every five infected individuals may not survive. Additionally, the CDC notes that numerous survivors of these infections lose limbs to amputations.
This bacteria can be contracted through actions like consuming raw oysters or swimming in saltwater, health officials in New York and Connecticut stated.
“We are reminding providers to be on the lookout for cases of vibriosis, which is not often the first diagnosis that comes to mind,” Dr. James McDonald, the New York state health commissioner said.
Dr. McDonald suggested that individuals with open wounds should steer clear of swimming in warm ocean water.
Symptoms and risks of Vibrio vulnificus spreading in the US
Symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, chills, and ear infections might appear, NBC News reported. People with liver disease, cancer, a weakened immune system, or those using medications to reduce stomach acid are especially vulnerable to vibriosis infections or related issues, as advised by the governor’s office.
On Wednesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul encouraged New Yorkers to remain watchful. He also advised people to adopt careful measures to protect themselves and their families.
The CDC reveals that vibriosis leads to around 80,000 illnesses each year, with roughly 52,000 attributed to consuming contaminated food, like oysters. The CDC also records about 100 deaths annually in the U.S. due to this. These infections are more common from May to October when water temperatures rise.
