This week, cases of a mysterious flesh eating bacteria started popping up from Louisiana, a coastal state in Southern US. Now local authorities have released an advisory for those heading to the beach, as this bacteria is more prevalent in seawater.
Vibrio Vulnifucus Outbreak: Louisiana Authorities Release Fresh Advisory for Beachgoers Amid Surging Outbreak of Flesh Eating Bacteria
Health officials in Louisiana have issued a fresh advisory for beachgoers, as cases of Vibrio Vulnifucus start to surge across the state.
“Seek medical care immediately if a wound exposed to brackish or salt water becomes red, swollen, painful, warm or discolored,” officials said in the release. “Tell the health care provider about the water exposure.” the advisory stated.
In a press release from last week, Louisian’s state health department stated that 9 cases of the deadly Vibrio Vulnificus bacteria were reported, with all seeking hospitalisation. Among those, 5 patients died.
What is Vibrio Vulnifucus?
Vibrio Vulnifucus is a species of rare, highly aggressive, and potentially life-threatening bacteria generally found in warm coastal waters and brackish waters. as a “flesh-eating bacteria” because severe infections can cause necrotizing fasciitis, a condition where the tissue surrounding an open wound rapidly breaks down and dies.
Vibrio Vulnifucus is related to the bacteria that causes cholera but is more deadly. The bacterial infection ca be contracted through either an open wound (An open cut, scrape, or fresh tattoo comes into direct contact with contaminated seawater, brackish water) or via food (the bacteria builds up in some seafood types like oysters).
Vibrio Vulnifucus: Symptoms & Treatment
Some symptoms of Vibrio Vulnifucus include:
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Intense pain,
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Redness
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Swelling
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Warmth,
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The appearance of fluid-filled, blistering skin lesions
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Watery diarrhea,
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Severe stomach cramps,
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Nausea,
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Vomiting,
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Fever
Vibrio Vulnificus Outbreak: List of Affected Areas
So far, the Vibrio Vulnificus outbreak has happened mostly in Louisiana. However, some cases of this deadly bacteria have also been reported from other Gulf coast states of Alabama and Mississippi, with reports from Florida as well.
