Flesh-eating bacteria leaves eight people dead as cases rise amid health warning

At least eight people are reported to have died along America's Gulf Coast due to a 'flesh-eating' bacteria, prompting health departments to issue warnings on how to take action.

The Louisiana Department of Health released its alert on the bacteria, called Vibrio vulnificus, on July 30, at which time 17 cases had been reported in the state. All of those 17 cases were hospitalized, and four resulted in death.

In Florida, the latest data from July 24 reports 13 cases of the infection, and another four deaths.

In its release, the Louisiana health department said it had noted an 'increase' in infections, with the current number of cases 'higher' than 'typically reported'.

It added: "During the same time period over the previous 10 years, an average of seven Vibrio vulnificus cases and one death were reported each year."

Over a dozen people have been hospitalized with the infection in Louisiana alone (Getty Stock Photo)

What is Vibrio vulnificus?

According to the department's release, Vibrio more generally refers to a bacteria that causes an estimated 80,000 illnesses each year in the United States.

The bacteria thrives in warmer waters and low-salt marine environments, and it's one particular species, V. vulnificus, which is known to cause life-threatening infections.

The bacteria is usually transmitted to humans if they have an open wound which comes into contact with salt water or brackish water, however in approximately 10 percent of cases it can infect people if they eat raw or undercooked shellfish.

The bacteria is not known to travel from person to person, but people who may be at increased risk of an infection include those with underlying health conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, and immunocompromising conditions.

Of the 17 cases in Louisiana, the department said 75 percent of them reported wound/seawater exposure.

Vibrio vulnificus is found in salt water or brackish water (Getty Stock Photo)

What are the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infections?

If infected with the bacteria, the Louisiana Department of Health explains that you may notice necrotizing (dead) skin and soft tissue infection.

It may also result in hemorrhagic bullae, which are skin blisters filled with blood.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, additional symptoms may include fever, low blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, and painful blisters.

Anyone who may be concerned they have an infection should go to the ER 'immediately', the clinic says, with the Louisiana health department warning that quick treatment of the infection is 'crucial' to reduce the possibility of death from a severe infection.

How are Vibrio vulnificus infections treated?

In its advice to medical professionals, the Louisiana health department encourages 'early antibiotic therapy and early surgical intervention'.

It also advises that 'careful attention' is given to any wound site, noting that dead skin should be removed.

The Cleveland Clinic has stressed: "You shouldn’t wait for a Vibrio vulnificus infection to go away on its own."

How can you avoid Vibrio vulnificus?

To reduce the risk of infection, Florida Health has warned people against entering the water if you have fresh cuts or scrapes.

The department has also encouraged individuals who are immunocompromised to 'wear proper foot protection to prevent cuts and injury caused by rocks and shells on the beach'.