Living on the Gulf coast, going to the beach is a regular part of a lot of our weekends. But the downside to paradise is that flesh-eating bacteria is on the rise in Southwest Florida.
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria that normally lives in warm brackish water and saltwater like the Gulf of Mexico. Due to rising temperatures around the world, Vibrio vulnificus has expanded into other bodies of water. Climate change experts at NASA believe that this bacteria will be sticking around for a while.
Florida has already beat a record this year of infections of Vibrio vulnificus with 65 and unfortunately Lee County had the most in the state with 29 cases and 4 deaths. Collier County has had 3 cases and Charlotte had 1 case. Before this year, 2017 had the next highest when Hurricane Irma caused a lot of flooding with 50 cases and 11 deaths.
The Florida Department of Health says that the reason for the spike this year is Hurricane Ian.
In a press release, Tammy Soliz, a Lee County department spokeswoman said: “Sewage spills in coastal waters, like those caused by Hurricane Ian, may increase bacteria levels. People with open wounds, cuts, or scratches can be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with sea water or brackish water.” She also points out that those who eat raw or undercooked oysters and shellfish are at risk.
An infection by Vibrio vulnificus can destroy soft tissue, which is why it’s considered a flesh-eating bacteria. Symptoms of infection include chills, fever, swelling, blistering, skin lesions, severe pain and low blood pressure. If not treated, it can lead to death within just a few days.
While infections are rare and for most of us swimming in water that has this bacteria is generally safe.
Here are a few ways to protect yourself from this flesh-eating bacteria in Southwest Florida:
