Sunday, June 14, 2015

Beachgoers in Florida Warned About Deadly Bacteria - Times Gazette

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A rare and potentially deadly bacteria which lives in warm ocean water have infected seven people while killing two thus far in 2015, said Florida health officials. A spokesperson from the Health Department in Florida said that people could become infected with the bacteria – Vibrio vulnificus – when eating raw shellfish. Since the bacteria are naturally found in warm ocean waters people with wounds that are open could be exposed to the bacteria through swimming.




When the bacterium is ingested in contaminated food, the symptoms included abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. When the bacteria enters the body via an open wound, it is able to cause an infection that could lead to a breakdown in the skin and form ulcers, which is where the flesh-eating symptoms came from.

While people who are healthy typically will experience just mild symptoms those who have an immune system that is weakened, particularly people who live with liver disease, are at a much higher risk of suffering severe complications.

The bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause high fever, chills, septic shock, skin lesions and death.

The number of cases of Vibrio vulnificus is quite rare. There were just 32 cases last year reported in Florida. The infections are very seasonal with 85% or more occurring from May to October, according to U.S. health officials.

The best way to avoid such an infection said experts is not to enter the ocean if you have fresh scrapes or cuts. People that have immune systems that are compromised should be extra cautious by wearing the proper foot protection so cuts are prevented.

Shellfish, including clams, mussels and oysters should all be cooked completely and always eaten promptly. People should avoid raw shellfish.

The majority of cases of the possible flesh eating deadly bacteria are treated by using antibiotics. In some of the most severe cases, it has been necessary to amputate an infected limb.




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