Deadly Flesh-Eating Bacteria Surge: Are You at Risk?

So, it turns out the ‘flesh-eating bacteria’ we usually hear about in late-night horror stories isn’t just a camper’s tall tale anymore — it’s making an unwelcome splash across Florida and Louisiana. At least eight folks have lost their lives, and more than twenty-two others have been stricken by Vibrio vulnificus, a nasty little germ that thrives in warm coastal waters. With cases suddenly spiking—and health officials pointing a shaky finger at climate change—it’s got me wondering: are our oceans turning into Petri dishes? The Louisiana Department of Health is waving a big red flag and urging everyone to take serious precautions, especially if you’re thinking about a seafood feast or a salty splash—but hey, who isn’t? Dive into the full scoop and find out how to dodge this deadly menace before it grabs you by the… well, you know. LEARN MORE

Health officials have issued a warning after ‘flesh eating bacteria’ cases are on the up across the States.

At the time of writing, it has been reported that at least eight people have died, with at least 22 others infected, following a stark rise in Vibrio vulnificus cases across Florida and Louisiana.

The Louisiana Department of Health said last week that they have noticed ‘a higher number’ of cases than normal, and that 17 of the cases – who were from Louisiana residents – were hospitalised, and four died.

Out of the 13 reported cases in Florida over the course of the year, four died.

Health officials think that climate change could be the reason behind the surge.

In a statement, they said: “The Louisiana Department of Health is urging residents to take precautions to prevent infection from Vibrio vulnificus.

“During the same time period over the previous 10 years, an average of seven Vibrio vulnificus cases and one death have been reported each year in Louisiana.”

Vibrio vulnificus has killed at least eight people across Florida and Louisiana so far (Getty Stock Images)

What is Vibrio vulnificus?

Vibrio vulnificus is a type of bacteria which can cause a deadly infection. You typically get it from eating undercooked or raw shellfish, as well as from open wounds coming into contact with salt water.

The health department said that out of the 17 cases, 75 percent of them ‘reported wound/seawater exposure’.

“Vibrio are bacteria that naturally live in warm coastal waters and are found in higher numbers between May and October, when water temperatures are warmer,” they said.

“Vibrio bacteria can cause illness when an open wound is exposed to coastal waters or when a person eats raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters.”

The department noted that about a dozen variants of Vibrio can cause human illness, but vulnificus, in particular, can be life-threatening.

Patients can become seriously ill very quickly and might need urgent limb amputation.

“About one in five people with this infection dies, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill,” they said.

Vibrio vulnificus contraction can be avoided (Getty Stock Images)

How to keep safe from Vibrio vulnificus

The health department shared six things you can do to keep you safe from the deadly infection.

Avoid brackish or salt water if you have any cuts or scrapes

If you still want to take a dip into the ocean, try and use a waterproof bandage to protect the wound.

Make sure you wash your wounds

If your wound contacts brackish water, raw seafood, or their juices, wash it thoroughly with soap and water.

Look out for a skin infection

Notify your doctor if a skin infection develops after such exposure.

Be careful if you’re pregnant

It’s always worth being cautious with raw or undercooked seafood, especially if you’re pregnant, immunocompromised, or have liver or stomach issues.

Wash your hands

Make sure to always wash your hands after handling raw shellfish.

Experts have urged people to wash their hands (mrs/Getty stock photo)

Avoid contamination

To prevent foodborne illness, keep raw seafood and their juices separate from cooked seafood. Proper hygiene and food safety help reduce the risk of serious infection.

Symptoms of Vibrio infection

• Watery diarrhea

• Stomach cramps

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Chills

Symptoms of Vibrio wound infection

• Fever

• Redness

• Pain

• Swelling

• Warmth

• Discoloration

• Discharge

Symptoms of Vibrio bloodstream infection

• Fever

• Chills

• Dangerously low blood pressure

• Blistering skin lesions