Seawater Bacteria Death Confirmed in Sarasota

SARASOTA, FL — The Florida Department of Health has confirmed the state's fifth death in 2016 due to Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. The most recent death involved a person in Sarasota County, according to the agency.

The person, who isn’t being identified, died after shellfish-related exposure, said Brad Dalton, FDOH spokesman.

“This is the only information that we have to share concerning this patient,” Dalton said.

Across the state, there have been 21 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections confirmed in 2016 with five deaths. In the Tampa Bay area, the only recorded cases so far have originated in Manatee and Sarasota counties, state records show. Manatee County has had one person become sick. Sarasota has had three cases this year with one death.

Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria that is found in raw shellfish and in warm seawater, according to FDOH. Infections tend to occur primarily during the summer months, mainly between May and October.

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,” Mara Gambineri, spokeswoman for the department of health, 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 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.”

In 2015, a total of 45 people across the state were sickened by Vibrio vulnificus; 14 people died.

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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