Four people have died in Florida due to infections from Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria that lives in salty and brackish water. Health officials report additional cases across several counties, prompting warnings about the dangers of contaminated water and raw seafood consumption.
This bacteria commonly infects through open wounds exposed to the water or by eating raw shellfish like oysters, which concentrate the bacteria internally. Symptoms range from mild stomach issues to serious infections that can destroy skin and tissue, sometimes requiring amputation to save lives.
Risk groups include people with cuts, fresh tattoos, or those with chronic health problems affecting their immune defenses. Since hurricanes increase flooding and contamination, outbreaks tend to spike after such storms.
Experts advise cooking seafood thoroughly, avoiding waters with open wounds, and keeping cuts protected on beaches to reduce infection risk. The harrowing experience of individuals like Peter Volpi Jr underlines the severity of this health threat.