Florida reports another death from flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Department of Health reported another death caused by the dangerous warm-water bacteria Vibrio vulnificus.
The first death occurred in late July, when a patient in Palm Beach County succumbed to the illness.
In an August 6 update to statewide data, FDOH revealed another person has died from the disease, this time in Marion County. Two people in the county were confirmed to have vibriosis, one between the ages of 60 and 64 and one between the ages of 70 and 74.
The bacteria natural occurs in coastal areas with warm, brackish water. Cases often rise in the summer months when the oceans warm, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Most people get vibriosis by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, FDOH said. A person can also contract the disease after an open wound is exposed to coastal waters.
Vibrio vulnificus is called “flesh-eating” because it can result in necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection that causes the skin surrounding a wound to die.
In Florida, 14 cases of vibriosis have been reported this year. The data shows that all cases were acquired in Florida, but does not specify where in the state the person might have contracted it or how.
FDOH said around 20% of people diagnosed with a Vibrio vulnificus infection will die, and many will require intensive care or limb amputations.
Prevention of the disease focuses mostly on carefully preparing shellfish, avoiding cross-contamination with raw seafood, and avoiding the exposure of open wounds to warm salt or brackish water.