Health authorities have issued a warning following the recent deaths of three individuals in the Northeast due to an uncommon "flesh-eating" bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus. The bacterium thrives in coastal saltwater and brackish water environments. Particularly prevalent from May to October, Vibrio and its related species mainly inhabit these surroundings.
New York, Connecticut Released Health Warnings Against Flesh-Eating Bacteria
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the infection can occur when individuals with open wounds swim or consume raw/undercooked shellfish like oysters. Even contact with raw seafood, its juices, or drippings can lead to infected wounds.
V. vulnificus is medically referred to as necrotizing fasciitis, which triggers swift tissue decay around wounds. Disturbingly, as CDC emphsaized, around 1 in 5 infections result in death, frequently occurring within just one to two days of exposure.
New York health authorities issued a statement on Wednesday, August 16, revealing the detection of V. vulnificus in an individual who recently passed away in Suffolk County, situated on the eastern part of Long Island. The statement highlighted ongoing investigations to ascertain whether the bacteria was contracted from New York waters or another source.
Meanwhile, the New York State Department of Health urged healthcare providers to keep V. vulnificus in mind when treating individuals exhibiting severe wound infections or sepsis, with or without associated wound infections.
Following the death of the Suffolk County resident, Connecticut reported three recent V. vulnificus infections. Between July 1 and 28, the state's health department recorded infections in individuals aged 60 to 80, two of whom passed away by August 15.
In two cases, swimming with open wounds in Long Island Sound's salt or brackish waters led to infection, while the third case resulted from consuming out-of-state raw oysters unrelated to the Sound.
V. vulnificus Infection: Diagnosis and Treatment
The CDC said that individuals who have weakened immune systems, liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, or the inherited blood disorder thalassemia are at an elevated risk of contracting Vibrio infections and facing serious complications.
V. vulnificus infection is rare, with approximately 100 to 200 cases reported annually in the United States. In contrast, infections stemming from different Vibrio species are significantly more frequent, accounting for a total of around 80,000 cases of vibriosis each year.
Symptoms typically manifest rapidly, often within a day of bacterial exposure, encompassing fever, chills, abrupt skin redness evolving into swollen and agonizing rashes, sizable discolored blisters, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, weakness indicating low blood pressure, confusion, altered mental state, and an accelerated heart rate. It can also lead to gastroenteritis marked by vomiting and diarrhea.
Diagnosis of a V. vulnificus infection involves the collection of blood, body fluid, or tissue samples which are sent to a lab to identify infection signs or cultivate bacteria, with tests conducted on blood, stool, sputum, and wound tissue or fluid.
Due to the potential for rapid complications, treatment might commence prior to test results, and it's important to inform the provider about potential exposure to raw seafood or seawater.
Early-detected infections can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Meanwhile, other treatments prevent skin infection spread and manage conditions, such as shock, involve surgical debridement, blister fluid drainage, limb amputation, medication for low blood pressure, intravenous fluids, and oxygen therapy.
RELATED ARTICLE: Louisiana Man Contracted Necrotizing Fasciitis From Flesh-Eating Bacteria Vibrio Vulnificus, Recovering in Intensive Care Unit
Check out more news and information on Flesh-Eating Bacteria in Science Times.
