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Woman Who Lost a ‘Lot of My Leg’ to Flesh-Eating Bacteria Warns ‘Do Not Shave’ Before Going into Water: ‘It’s So Serious’
Yahoo • • health
Key Points:
- Genevieve Gallagher, a Florida mother, contracted the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus after swimming with a cut, resulting in severe infection, multiple organ failure, and the loss of a significant portion of her leg.
- Florida has seen a surge in Vibrio vulnificus cases in 2026, with 15 reported infections and two recent deaths, including a child and an older adult.
- Vibrio bacteria naturally inhabit coastal waters and commonly infect people through raw or undercooked shellfish, but can also infect swimmers with open wounds, tattoos, or piercings.
- The bacteria cause severe symptoms, including skin necrosis around the infection site, often necessitating surgical removal of affected tissue or amputations.
- Health experts strongly advise against swimming with any open cuts or recent skin injuries to prevent life-threatening infections from Vibrio vulnificus.
