How flesh-eating bacteria spreads and who's at risk

Key Points:

• Florida has reported its first death of the year from Vibrio vulnificus, a "flesh-eating" bacterium that causes severe infections typically linked to raw seafood consumption or contact with brackish coastal water.
• The state recorded 12 cases and one death as of July 30, with previous years seeing around 33 cases and five deaths, often increasing after severe weather events like hurricanes.
• Vibrio vulnificus infections can rapidly cause serious illness, including tissue damage, sepsis, and death, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, with a fatality rate of about 20%.
• The bacteria enter the body through open wounds exposed to contaminated water or by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, with symptoms developing within 24 hours of exposure.
• Health officials advise cooking seafood thoroughly, avoiding salt or brackish water with open wounds, and taking extra precautions for vulnerable individuals to reduce infection risk.