Florida’s Deadly Seawater Bacteria: How To Avoid Exposure

SARASOTA, FL — Vibrio vulnificus might sound like a spell the wizarding kids at Hogwart’s would cast, but it’s actually a pretty serious concern this time of year in Florida. The seawater bacteria is linked to infections in humans that can sometimes be fatal.

In 2017 so far, Vibrio vulnificus has been blamed in one death and 11 illnesses across the Sunshine State. The death was recorded in Orange County. According to the Florida Department of Health, it is unclear how the person was exposed to the bacteria. People generally become sickened either by eating contaminated shellfish or by exposing an open wound to seawater.

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Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria that is found in raw shellfish and warm, brackish and salty seawater, according to Mara Gambineri, FDOH spokeswoman. The risk of people becoming exposed to the bacteria tends to rise along the temperature of the water.

“The majority of our cases occur between May and October,” Gambineri told Patch.

While Vibrio vulnificus can sicken and even kill people, the state stresses “the bacterium does not pose a risk to normally healthy people and Florida’s beaches and water are safe to enjoy responsibly.”

Serious infections are rare, state records indicate. In recent years, the total number of cases reported annually has not topped 46, which was the number logged in 2016. A total of 10 people died across the state in 2016 following exposure to Vibrio vulnificus.

See also: Florida Seawater Bacteria Claims Life

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.

Although serious infections are fairly rare, some people are at higher risk for complications than others.

“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.”

Avoiding Exposure

The state of Florida offers a few tips to limit the potential for exposure. They include:

• Exercising good wound care – To prevent any bacterial infection in an open wound, FDOH recommends keeping wounds covered with clean, dry bandages. Gambineri also said it’s important to not delay “first aid of even minor, non-infected wounds like blisters, scrapes or any break in the skin.”
• Refraining from eating raw shellfish – To avoid this potential contamination source, the state recommends people thoroughly cook oysters and other shellfish before eating them. Cooking methods that can eliminate the bacteria include frying, roasting and stewing, among others.

About That ‘Flesh-Eating’ Name

When open wounds come in contact with Vibrio vulnificus, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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. “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.”

For more information about the bacteria and preventing infections, visit the Florida Department of Health online.

Image via Shutterstock

Editor's note: This story was updated on July 22, 2017, to reflect two new confirmed cases in Florida.