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Alabama issues Gulf Coast alert as flesh-eating bacteria sickens 16, kills 1
Yahoo • • health
Key Points:
- Alabama health officials have reported 16 cases of vibriosis, a flesh-eating bacterial infection linked to coastal waters, with one death occurring in the state.
- The bacteria, Vibrio, naturally exist in salt and brackish waters and pose a higher risk during warmer months from May to October when water temperatures rise.
- Individuals with open wounds, including cuts, scrapes, fresh piercings, or new tattoos, are advised to avoid swimming in coastal waters or to cover wounds with waterproof bandages.
- The Alabama Department of Public Health emphasizes seasonal caution as more people engage in water activities along the Gulf Coast during hotter months.
- Similar precautions are recommended for swimmers along the entire Gulf Coast to prevent vibriosis infections.
