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Flesh-eating bacteria caused man's leg to swell to 8 times its size
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- Vibrio vulnificus, a deadly flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters, is surging in southern US states, particularly Florida and Louisiana, with at least 28 cases reported this year and several deaths.
- Ben West, a 38-year-old fisherman from Florida, contracted the infection through a raw spot on his ankle despite wearing protective boots, leading to severe tissue damage and multiple surgeries.
- After nearly a year of painful treatments and slow healing, West is now awaiting amputation of his left leg below the knee to improve his quality of life and relieve constant pain.
- Vibrio vulnificus infections can cause necrotizing fasciitis and become fatal if the bacteria enter the bloodstream; infections often result from open wounds exposed to salt or brackish water or from eating raw shellfish.
- Health officials advise cooking all shellfish thoroughly, avoiding seawater exposure with open wounds, and promptly washing any wounds exposed to coastal waters to prevent infection.
