Two dead after contracting flesh-eating bacteria from eating oysters as 22 cases reported in US state
Two people have died in Louisiana after they contracted a flesh-eating bacterium by eating oysters.
The tragic deaths are linked to Vibrio vulnificus, according to health officials — a bacterium that is present in warm coastal waters.
Vibrio are naturally occurring bacteria in warm, brackish seawater — a type of water with a salt content between that of freshwater and saltwater.
You'll most likely experience the bacteria on the coast, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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People end up contracting vibrio infections if you ingest such water or if it gets into an open wound, while the most common forms of vibrio found in the US are: Vibrio parahaemolyticus, vibrio vulnificus, and vibrio alginolyticus.
On top of the two oyster-related deaths, Louisiana Health Department have said a further two individuals with the bacteria have passed away in the state.
"Many people with Vibrio vulnificus infection can become seriously ill and need intensive care or limb amputation," the health department said.
"About one in five people with this infection dies, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill."
22 hospitalizations cases from the bacterium have been reported in Louisiana, with 80 per cent of the cases being as a result from exposure of seawater to open wounds.
The department added: "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."
The flesh-eating bacterium has also been a problem in Florida, with officials reporting 23 cases of Vibrio vulnificus this year. Five people have died in the Sunshine State as a direct result.
The Florida Health Department has previously warned that those who are immunocompromised should be extra cautious when it comes to vibrio vulunificus.
"Water and wounds do not mix. Do not enter the water if you have fresh cuts or scrapes," its website states.
"Individuals who are immunocompromised, e.g chronic liver disease, kidney disease, or weakened immune system, should wear proper foot protection to prevent cuts and injury caused by rocks and shells on the beach," the health department further warns.
What are the symptoms of vibrio vulunificus?
Symptoms of the bacterial infection come on suddenly and usually within 24 hours of coming into contact with the bacterium, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Those who are experiencing fever, chills, a rash that quickly becomes swollen and painful, fluid-fill blisters on your skin, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, confusion or altered mental state, and a fast heart rate, should visit a healthcare professional.
In extreme cases, people may develop sepsis or thrombocytopenia as a result of the infection.
Callum Jones