Gerrard Kaonga
Four people have died and at least 7 people have fallen ill as a result of a flesh-eating bacteria.
According to health officials, the bacterium has been spreading throughout Florida, with the deaths being reported as having occurred in the Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, and St. John counties (via CBS News).
As well as the four deceased, at least 7 other people have also fallen ill, as health officials advise people of the possible dangers of this bacteria during the summer months.
CBS News reports that Florida has seen 448 cases, including 100 deaths, in connection with this bacteria since 2016, with other Florida counties, like Santa Rosa and Manatee, also confirming additional cases.
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Exposure to the bacteria can occur through contaminated water, as well as the consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish which ‘concentrates’ inside the animal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The bacteria, known as vibrio vulunificus, thrives in saltwater and brackish water (a mix of salt and fresh water), with the CDC describing less severe gastrointestinal symptoms involving nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting or stomach cramps.
However, if vibrio vulunificus enter a person’s bloodstream or cause an infection from an exposed wound, then the side effects can be considerably worse, as it can cause ‘dangerously low’ blood pressure skin blisters and necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as the flesh-eating disease.
In the most extreme cases, a doctor may need to amputate a person’s leg or arms to remove dead or infected tissue.
So far, the Florida Health Department has said the current numbers of infections is down from last year, however, they believe that those figures were bolstered by the impacts of Hurricane Helene, as flooding lead to more people being exposed to contaminated water.
A similar rise was also noted in 2022 after Hurricane Ian, PEOPLE says.
According to the Florida Health page, a specific warning has been given to those who may be more at risk from contracting the infection.
Namely, those who have 'fresh cuts or scrapes', or have gotten some ink or a new piercing are at a big risk of contracting vibrio vulunificus.
The page adds: “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.”
To reduce the possible risk of infection, eating cooked seafood, avoiding cross contamination with raw and cooked shellfish, and avoiding warm water with an open wound are recommended by the CDC.
One person who was unfortunate enough to contract the illness is Peter Volpi Jr, who has spoke of the pain and suffering as a result.
Speaking with WFLA, he said he believes he contracted it from swimming in the Gulf of Mexico and said it was ‘the most excruciating pain I’ve ever felt’ as it left him bedridden for months afterwards.