Swimmers are urged to exercise caution after a Virginia man -- one of 23 in the state to contract a flesh-eating bacteria since April -- has died from the disease.
To protect the victim's identity, the man's name and the location of the infection are not being released to the public. The Health Department is saying that he contracted the bacteria in Virginia's eastern region, which would include the Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach area.
Known as "Vibrio," this bacteria is most often found in warm and shallow brackish water. It is also possible to contract the bacteria by eating raw or undercooked clams or oysters, but most serious cases stem from waterborne contraction. Infections usually stem from swimmers entering the water with an open wound, though it is often extremely difficult to pinpoint where a swimmer contracted the bacteria.
The best advice is for beachgoers to immediately leave the water if they notice they have an open cut or wound. (Generally, that would be a good idea anyway considering the number of predators that are attracted to blood in the water!) Once out, make sure you wash the wound with soap and water and do not re-enter until it has healed. People with certain auto-immune diseases, such as HIV/AIDS or diseases which hamper immune systems, should take extra precautions when wading in the water. At particular risk are people diagnosed with diabetes, where infection can lead to sepsis and the loss of limbs.
If you contract the bacteria through an open wound, the first symptoms will mirror a regular infection. You will see the typical redness and swelling at the wound site and eventually develop a fever. In cases where bacteria is ingested by eating raw or undercooked seafood, it manifests as food poisoning with diarrhea, vomiting, and severe stomach aches. If you fear that you have these symptoms and may have contracted a flesh-eating bacteria, definitely seek out medical attention.
Most municipalities will issue water safety advisories when bacteria levels are higher than normal. While it is natural for Vibrio to flourish off the coast of Virginia, it is often found in areas that naturally have higher bacteria levels, such as coves with little water flow. Health officials have reiterated that the number of Vibrio cases this year is on par with previous years, but this summer's heatwave has caused bacteria levels off the coast to become high.
Very few Vibrio cases end up being fatal or serious enough to require amputation. Of the 23 cases of flesh-eating bacteria so far this year, only one has been fatal. Health officials believe that the number of actual cases far exceeds the reported number. Since many people's immune systems can defeat the bacteria on their own, most Vibrio cases usually go unreported.
Do you know anyone who has contracted flesh-eating bacteria? Please tell us about it in the comments below!
