4 folks have died from flesh-eating micro organism in Florida: Who’s in danger?

4 folks have died from a flesh-eating micro organism in Florida waters, in line with the state’s well being division.

Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that usually lives in heat, brackish seawater and is present in increased numbers from Could to October due to increased water temperatures.

Infections from the micro organism have been reported in 11 Florida counties this 12 months, whereas the deaths occurred in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough and St. John’s counties. Single circumstances have been reported in Bay, Broward, Duval, Escambia, Hillsborough, Lee, Mantatee, Santa Rosa and Walton counties; two circumstances have been reported in St. Johns County.

There have been a complete of 89 deaths attributable to the micro organism in Florida since 2016. Throughout the identical time interval, 2024 noticed a excessive of 19 deaths due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, in line with the Florida Division of Well being.

Most individuals can get vibriosis by consuming uncooked or undercooked shellfish, significantly oysters, whereas others get it after an open wound is available in contact with coastal waters.

The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention estimates that 80,000 circumstances of vibriosis occur annually in america, with 52,000 circumstances ensuing from consuming contaminated meals.

Widespread indicators of an an infection embrace fever, chills, redness, swelling and nausea, in line with the CDC.

The Florida Division of Well being has suggested folks with contemporary cuts and scrapes to not enter the water. The division additionally stated those that are immunocompromised ought to put on correct foot safety to forestall cuts and damage attributable to rocks and shells on the seaside.