Hurricane Ian aftermath: Florida sees increase in flesh-eating bacteria cases

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Cases of infections from flesh-eating bacteria are on the rise in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
• Health officials reported at least 11 deaths and 65 confirmed cases.
• The bacterium typically enters the bloodstream when individuals with an open wound make contact with contaminated water, just like the flood waters caused by the hurricane.

Infections from Vibrio vulnificus, a type of “flesh-eating bacteria,” are on the rise in Lee County, Florida, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

The health department reported at least 65 confirmed cases and 11 deaths from infections, citing Hurricane Ian’s impact as the cause of the “abnormal increase” in cases.

What you need to know about flesh-eating bacteria

Vibrio vulnificus is a member of the Vibrionaceae family of bacteria. The bacterium is found worldwide and typically resides in warm, brackish seawater, since its “halophilic” nature means it requires salt.

If the bacterium enters the bloodstream, it can cause life-threatening illness with symptoms like blistering skin lesions, fever, chills, and decreased blood pressure.

Around one in five people die within a day or two of becoming ill, the CDC noted, so it’s imperative for people with symptoms to seek immediate medical attention. Immunocompromised individuals are also encouraged to take precautions since they have a higher risk of severe infections.

The disease is not transmitted from person to person.

The bacterium can infect individuals who had contact with or consumed contaminated seafood, leading to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. This typically happens when people handle or consume raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, or other raw fish.

It could also infect people who had contact with contaminated water while having an open wound, cut, or scratch. This could lead to a skin infection that manifests as skin breakdown, inflammation, or swelling. It can quickly progress into skin ulcers, fluid-filled blisters, gangrene, and eventually necrotizing fasciitis, a condition in which the flesh around an open wound dies.

If left untreated for too long, the infection can spread and worsen, potentially leading to limb amputation or death. This infection can also be caused by more than one type of bacteria.

Previous cases of flesh-eating bacteria infections in Florida mostly occurred during the summer. Infections usually increase during warmer months when the bacteria grow faster, and when more people spend time at beaches. The current increase in cases can be attributed to contaminated water brought on by Hurricane Ian’s flooding.

Individuals who sustained wounds, cuts, or scratches should avoid contact with flood water, brackish water, seawater, or standing water.

Anyone who has made contact with such water or raw or undercooked seafood and its juices should ensure thorough cleaning of wounds and cuts with soap and clean water. Be sure to cover up any injuries with a waterproof bandage.

Source: Fox News