Florida Seawater Bacteria Claims Life

TALLAHASSEE, FL — As saltwater along Florida’s shores heats up in the summer sun, 10 people have become sickened by Vibrio vulnificus bacteria so far in 2017. The Florida Department of Health confirmed the seawater bacteria has been linked to one death and a handful of cases across several counties, including Pasco.

The bacteria-related death occurred in Orange County, according to FDOH spokeswoman Mara Gambineri. Health officials are not sure how the person who died was exposed to the bacteria, she said. A date of the person’s death was not readily available.

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“Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria in raw shellfish and in warm, brackish/salty seawater,” Gambineri explained in a previous interview. “Vibrio vulnificus exposures occur more commonly during the summer months when water temperatures rise – the majority of our cases occur between May and October. The bacterium does not pose a risk to a normally healthy person and Florida’s beaches and water are safe to enjoy responsibly.”

See also: Florida’s Deadly Seawater Bacteria: How To Avoid Exposure

People can become infected with Vibrio vulnificus in one of two ways – by eating contaminated raw shellfish and through exposure to contaminated water by swimming with open wounds.

The other nine cases confirmed across the state in 2017 are as follows:

• Pasco County – The person sickened had a wound that was exposed to seawater.
• Charlotte County – The person sickened had a wound exposed to seawater.
• Citrus County – The person sickened ate crab that was contaminated by the bacteria. State officials are unsure how the crab was prepared.
• Duval County – The person sickened ate raw oysters.
• Lee County – The person sickened had a wound exposed to seawater.
• Santa Rosa County – The person sickened had a wound exposed to seawater.
• Sumter County – There have been three confirmed cases here. One involved consumption of raw oysters, another was linked to a wound being exposed to sea water. The third case, state officials say, involved a person who handled contaminated marine life.

Vibrio vulnificus is often called the “flesh-eating” bacteria, but that’s not an entirely accurate label, the state has said. Most people who come into contact with the bacteria don’t show severe symptoms. Signs of exposure in normally healthy people include such symptoms as stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.

“People with weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease, have an increased risk of infection and should take precautions,” Gambineri said. “Additionally, people with any open cuts, scrapes or abrasions should avoid exposing the wound to seawater to prevent infection.”

When open wounds come in contact with Vibrio vulnificus, the CDC says infections that arise “may lead to skin breakdown and ulceration.” When that breakdown of skin tissue occurs, it’s caused by a serious complication, known as necrotizing fasciitis. It’s that complication that gives rise to the “flesh-eating” moniker.

“Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare disease that can be caused by more than one type of bacteria,” Gambineri said in a previous interview. “These include group A Streptococcus (group A strep), Klebsiella, Clostridium, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Aeromonas hydrophila, among others. Group A strep is considered the most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis. Vibrio vulnificus and necrotizing fasciitis are not one in the same.”

In 2016, there were 46 confirmed Vibrio vulnificus-related illnesses across Florida. Ten of those cases resulted in fatalities.

To find out more about the bacteria and safety measures that can be taken, visit the Florida Department of Health online.

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