Flesh-eating bacteria is as horrible as it sounds, and there is more than one bacteria that results in necrotizing fasciitis (the correct medical term), such as A Streptococcus bacteria. But recently a different, water-born bacteria has made the news, leading to the deaths of three individuals in the New York and Connecticut regions.
Authorities have issued updated guidelines for avoiding vibrio vulnificus bacteria, which was the cause of these deaths. What are these bacteria? Where do humans come into contact with it, and how can you avoid it?
Where Did The 3 Deceased Individuals Come In Contact With The Bacteria?
One individual in Suffolk County, New York, located on eastern Long Island, and two others in Connecticut, succumbed to vibriosis, an illness caused by vibrio vulnificus bacteria.
Was Tainted Seafood Involved?
Earlier last month (July), the Connecticut Department of Public Health had identified three cases, all leading to hospitalization. Interestingly, two of these cases were wound infections unrelated to seafood consumption, while the third involved a Connecticut resident who had consumed raw oysters from an out-of-state establishment, not sourced from Long Island Sound.
The affected individuals were between the ages of 60 and 80, with the deaths occurring in July. It is noteworthy that this marks the first recorded case of Vibrio infection in Connecticut in three years.
Where Is Vibrio Vulnificus Bacteria Found?
This bacteria are commonly found in seawater, as well as raw and undercooked seafood. It can lead to skin complications, ulcers, and various other symptoms.
Despite Connecticut’s thriving oyster industry, regular bacterial tests have not identified Vibrio vulnificus within state waters. The Bureau of Aquaculture asserts that the infections are not linked to Connecticut shellfish. Since 2014, the state has implemented cooling requirements for harvested oysters to eliminate bacteria, especially in high-risk areas and when waters reach 20°C/68°F. This applies to all oysters harvested for human consumption from the waters around Darien, Norwalk and Westport in Connecticut’s coastal waters from June 1 through September 30.
The CDC Keeps Track of Infections
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates around 80,000 cases of vibriosis annually in the United States, with a significant portion attributed to contaminated food, including oysters. The majority of infections occur between May and October when water temperatures are higher.
Who Is At Risk?
While most individuals recover from mild cases within approximately three days, severe infections can lead to critical conditions requiring intensive care or even limb amputation. About 1 in 5 of these serious cases result in death, sometimes within a short timeframe after illness onset.
Individuals with certain health conditions, such as liver disease, cancer, weakened immune systems, or those taking medication to reduce stomach acid levels, are particularly vulnerable to vibriosis.
How Do You Minimize Risk?
To minimize the risk of infection, experts recommend covering wounds, recent piercings, or tattoos when exposed to warm seawater, avoiding consumption of raw shellfish with a compromised immune system, wearing gloves when handling raw shellfish, and practicing proper hand hygiene.
In light of the situation, the Connecticut Department of Health suggests washing wounds with soap and water if they come into contact with saltwater, raw seafood, or its juices.
Doctors Should Consider Vibriosis
Dr. James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner, emphasized the importance of considering vibriosis as a potential diagnosis, even though it may not be the first to come to mind for medical professionals.
According to the CDC, “A clinician may suspect vibriosis if a patient has watery diarrhea and has recently eaten raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters, or when a wound infection occurs after exposure to seawater. Infection is diagnosed when Vibrio bacteria are found in the stool, wound, or blood of a patient who has symptoms of vibriosis.
Treatment is not necessary in mild cases, but patients should drink plenty of liquids to replace fluids lost through diarrhea. Although there is no evidence that antibiotics decrease the severity or duration of illness, they are sometimes used in severe or prolonged illnesses.”
Is Flesh Eating Disease A Rising Trend?
Recent research indicates a rising trend in vibriosis infections along the eastern U.S. since the late 1990s, which is likely to continue due to climate change and warming waters.
Tragically, similar cases of vibriosis-related deaths have been reported, including instances in Missouri and Florida involving the consumption of raw oysters.
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