Since the beginning of the year, nine cases of Vibrio vulnificus infection have been identified in Louisiana, and five people have died—all of whom developed the infection after seawater entered open wounds. Infestations have also been reported in Florida and New York, including in Long Island Sound, whose waters were previously considered too cold for the so-called “flesh-eating bacteria” to spread, the New York Times reports.
Louisiana health officials are urging coastal vacationers to take precautions as cases rise seasonally and the overall number of infections has increased in recent years. Thus, over the same period in the previous 10 years, the state averaged about seven cases of infection and one death. As RTVI previously reported, by the beginning of August last year, 17 cases were identified in Louisiana, four of them died.
Scientists believe that rising water temperatures contribute to more active growth of bacteria and the expansion of the outbreak to the north. A 2023 study found that the northern limit of the bacterium's distribution is shifting about 30 miles (about 48 km) annually. In April of this year, researchers from New York reported the discovery of Vibrio vulnificus in several bodies of water off the coast of Long Island.
Bacteria of the genus Vibrio live in warm coastal areas in sea and brackish water (a mixture of fresh and salt water that is often found at the mouths of rivers where they flow into the sea). Infection can occur when an open wound comes into contact with water containing bacteria, or after eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters.
“Seek immediate medical attention if a wound becomes red, swollen, painful, hot to the touch, or changes color after exposure to brackish water or seawater. Be sure to tell your doctor about contact with water.” — the Louisiana Department of Health said in a statement.
Among Vibrio bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus is considered the most dangerous species. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in five people who become infected die, with some cases occurring within one to two days after the first symptoms appear.
The infection may be accompanied by diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. When bacteria enter the bloodstream, a sharp drop in blood pressure and blistering lesions may appear on the skin. Vibrio vulnificus is called a “carnivore” because in some cases it causes necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection that causes the tissue around an open wound to die.
The risk of severe illness is highest in older adults, those with weakened immune systems, and people with liver disease, diabetes, or HIV.
In total, about 80,000 cases of vibriosis, caused by various bacteria of the Vibrio genus, are reported annually in the United States.
To protect yourself, doctors recommend avoiding salt water if you have open wounds and thoroughly washing any cuts that have come into contact with sea water with soap. In addition, seafood must be thoroughly thermally processed, and prepared foods must be stored separately from raw foods.
