Florida Seawater Bacteria Case Count Rises

TALLAHASSEE, FL — The state of Florida has confirmed two new Vibrio vulnificus-related infections, bringing the total number of cases up to 12 in 2017 so far. The new cases reported by the Florida Department of Health on Friday occurred in Escambia and Lee counties.

Of the 12 cases reported so far in 2017, one resulted in death. That case involved a person in Orange County. Health department officials are unsure how the person who died was exposed to the bacteria.

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“Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria in raw shellfish and in warm, brackish/salty seawater,” FDOH spokeswoman Mara Gambineri explained in a previous interview. “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.”

See also: Florida’s Deadly Seawater Bacteria: How To Avoid Exposure

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.

Confirmed cases reported across the state in 2017 as of July 21 are as follows:

• Orange County – 1 case that resulted in death
• Pasco County – 1 case
• Charlotte County – 1 case
• Citrus County – 1 case
• Duval County – 1 case
• Lee County – 2 cases
• Santa Rosa County – 1 case
• Sumter County – 3 cases
• Escambia County – 1 case

Vibrio vulnificus is often called the “flesh-eating” bacteria, but that’s not an 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.”

In 2016, there were 46 confirmed Vibrio vulnificus-related illnesses across Florida. Ten of those cases resulted in fatalities.

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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