Florida Seawater Bacteria Case Count Climbs by 3

TAMPA, FL — The number of people who have been sickened by Vibrio vulnificus bacteria since 2016 began rose by three last week. One of the confirmed cases involved a Hillsborough County resident, according to the Florida Department of Health.

As of Friday, Oct. 28 the total number of confirmed cases statewide was 36. Seven of those illnesses have resulted in deaths. The numbers are tracking below last year when 45 people were sickened and 14 people died.

The new cases confirmed Friday also involved residents of Duval and Palm Beach counties, according to Mara Gambineri, spokeswoman for FDOH. The Hillsborough and Duval cases involved exposure to contaminated seawater, she said. The origin of the Palm Beach case remains under investigation.

“Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria in raw shellfish and in warm, brackish/salty seawater,” Gambineri said. “Vibrio vulnificus exposures occur more commonly during the summer months when water temperatures rise – the majority of our cases occur between May and October. The bacterium does not pose a risk to a normally healthy person and Florida’s beaches and water are safe to enjoy responsibly.”

People can become infected with Vibrio vulnificus in one of two ways – by eating contaminated raw shellfish and through exposure to contaminated water by swimming with open wounds.

Vibrio vulnificus is often called the “flesh-eating” bacteria, but that’s not an entirely accurate label, the state has said. Most people who come into contact with the bacteria don’t show severe symptoms. Signs of exposure in normally healthy people include such symptoms as stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.

“People with weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease, have an increased risk of infection and should take precautions,” Gambineri said. “Additionally, people with any open cuts, scrapes or abrasions should avoid exposing the wound to seawater to prevent infection.”

When open wounds come in contact with Vibrio vulnificus, the CDC says infections that arise “may lead to skin breakdown and ulceration.” When that breakdown of skin tissue occurs, it’s caused by a serious complication, known as Necrotizing Fasciitis. It’s that complication that gives rise to the “flesh-eating” moniker.

“Necrotizing Fasciitis is a rare disease that can be caused by more than one type of bacteria,” Gambineri said in a previous interview. “These include group A Streptococcus (group A strep), Klebsiella, Clostridium, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Aeromonas hydrophila, among others. Group A strep is considered the most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis. Vibrio vulnificus and Necrotizing Fasciitis are not one in the same.”

So far in 2016, only a handful of cases have been reported in Tampa Bay area counties. They are as follows:

• Hillsborough County – 1 case
• Manatee County – 2 cases
• Pasco County – 1 case
• Pinellas County – 2 cases, 1 death
• Sarasota County – 3 cases, 1 death

To find out more about the bacteria and safety measures that can be taken, visit the Florida Department of Health online.

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