Flesh-Eating Bacteria Kills 4 In Florida As Officials Urge Public To Be Cautious
Health officials confirmed that the bacteria has been spreading in several areas across the state. The reported deaths occurred in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, and St. John counties, according to CBS News.
In addition to the four people who lost their lives, at least seven more have fallen ill. Officials are warning the public about the heightened risk of infection during the summer season, when exposure to water is more common.
The bacteria can infect people in more than one way. Exposure can happen through direct contact with contaminated water or by eating raw or undercooked shellfish. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that the bacteria tends to collect inside shellfish, making it dangerous if not cooked properly.
The bacteria is known as Vibrio vulnificus. It thrives in saltwater and brackish water, which is a combination of fresh and saltwater. The CDC notes that in milder cases, the infection can cause stomach-related symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or cramping.
In the most extreme situations, doctors may have no choice but to amputate limbs in order to stop the infection from spreading further and to remove the damaged or dying tissue.
The Florida Health Department noted that although the current infection numbers are lower than the previous year, last year’s cases were unusually high due to Hurricane Helene. The storm led to major flooding, which resulted in more people coming into contact with contaminated water.
On its official website, the Florida Health Department has issued a strong advisory for people who might be especially vulnerable to these types of infections.
Specifically, people who have fresh cuts, scrapes, or have recently gotten tattoos or piercings are considered to be at a much higher risk of contracting Vibrio vulnificus.
To help reduce the risk of infection, the CDC recommends cooking seafood thoroughly, keeping raw shellfish away from cooked foods, and avoiding warm, brackish water if you have an open wound or broken skin.
One person who unfortunately experienced this firsthand is Peter Volpi Jr., who has shared his story of intense pain and the toll the infection took on his life.
He described the ordeal as “the most excruciating pain I’ve ever felt” and said it left him stuck in bed for months as he recovered.
