Thursday, June 11, 2015

'Flesh-eating' bacteria can be found in Florida beaches - Palm Beach Post

Flesh-eating, potentially deadly bacteria can be found in Florida beaches and is activated by warm weather.

The Vibrio vulnificus bacterium grows fastest in warm saltwater and it "has already infected at least seven people and killed two this year in Florida," according to ABC News. The Florida state health department said there have been 32 cases in the past 12 months. According to the state health department, a spike in cases occurs in May-October when water is the warmest.

Meghan McCarthy 050915 PBDN Meghan McCarthy Many people took advantage of the warm sunny weather to sun bath and swim at Midtown Beach Saturday.


Consuming or handling raw shellfish and swimming in warm saltwater areas can put people at risk, Burger said. "People with open wounds can be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with seawater," she said. The bacterial infection can cause gastroenteritis, sepsis and can lead to amputations, ABC News reports.

Read more at ABC News.


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