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The Florida Department of Health is reporting that there have been more cases of Vibrio Vulnificus in Florida.
TAMPA, Fla. — The number of people who have died from flesh-eating bacteria rose to five and the number of cases also increased to 16, according to health department data.
The cases span Florida, and the deaths were in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, Polk and St. Johns counties. The most recent death happened in Bay County, which encompasses Panama City Beach, bringing the death toll in that area to two.
One of the most recent cases reported was also in Manatee County.
The bacteria is called Vibrio vulnificus, a rare infection that can be contracted from being in warm saltwater. It can also be ingested by eating raw shellfish like oysters.
What is the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus?
The bacteria live in warm seawater and are part of a group of Vibrio that are called “halophilic” because they require salt, according to the state’s health department.
The bacteria is naturally occurring. While infections are rare, they could lead to serious illness or death.
“The worst cases are if you are immunocompromised. If you’ve got a normal immune system, you should do fine,” said Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Edward Hirsch.
Symptoms of flesh-eating bacteria infections
The main symptoms are blisters and swelling, according to Hirsch.
“It progresses to making a hole into whatever part of your body that is infected,” he said.
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Fast or high heart rate
- Confusion
- Disorientation
How to prevent flesh-eating bacteria infections
Health officials advise immunocompromised people to wear proper foot protection to prevent cuts and injuries caused by rocks and shells on the beach.
Dr. Hirsch said an important tip for everyone is not to swim with open wounds.
Avoid flesh-eating bacteria in shellfish
Health officials provided the following tips for avoiding Vibrio vulnificus infection from shellfish:
- Do not eat raw oysters or other raw shellfish.
- Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly.
- For shellfish in the shell, either boil until the shells open and continue boiling for five more minutes, or steam until the shells open and then continue cooking for nine more minutes. Do not eat those shellfish that do not open during cooking. Boil shucked oysters at least three minutes, or fry them in oil at least 10 minutes at 375°F.
- Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood.
- Eat shellfish promptly after cooking and refrigerate leftovers.
- Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water, or to raw shellfish harvested from such waters.
- Wear protective clothing (e.g., gloves) when handling raw shellfish.
