Florida’s Deadly Seawater Bacteria: What You Need to Know

TAMPA BAY, FL — Vibrio vulnificus bacteria might not be well-known to all Floridians, but it’s a name health officials say residents and visitors should be aware of this time of year.

In 2016 so far, the bacteria have been blamed in the deaths of five people across the state. The most recent fatal infection was reported in Sarasota County. In that case, a person was exposed to the bacteria by consuming contaminated shellfish, according to the Florida Department of Health.

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 45.

See also: Seawater Bacteria Death Confirmed in Sarasota

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 the ‘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.”

Last year, there were 45 case of Vibrio vulnificus infections reported across the state. Fourteen people died, according to state records. For more information about the bacteria and preventing infections, visit the Florida Department of Health online.

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