CDC warns of flesh-eating bacteria, stay vigilant.

The Deadly Threat of Flesh-Eating Bacteria

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)‌ recently issued a national health alert, warning doctors and healthcare⁣ workers about a‍ dangerous flesh-eating bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus. This ⁤bacteria has been ⁣found in multiple‍ states across ​the country, posing a significant risk to public health.

The CDC revealed that there are⁣ approximately 80,000 reported cases of Vibrio bacteria illnesses each year in ⁤the United States. While ​there are different ⁢types of Vibrio bacteria, including Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus, the ⁢most deadly ‍one is Vibrio vulnificus. This particular⁣ strain can cause‌ death within just one or two days. However, it’s⁤ important to note that only‌ about 150 to 200 cases of this infection⁣ are reported to the ‍CDC annually.

“People who are at increased⁢ risk for V. vulnificus ⁤infection should exercise caution when engaging in coastal ‌water activities,” the CDC said​ on‍ Sept. 1.​ “Prompt‌ treatment is crucial to‍ reduce mortality from severe V. vulnificus infection.”

While infections from this bacteria are commonly reported in the Gulf Coast,‌ the CDC has observed a significant increase in infections in the eastern United States, ‍with cases rising⁤ about⁢ eightfold between 1988 and ‌2018.

Vibrio ⁣bacteria ⁣are ⁢typically found ⁢in saltwater or brackish coastal waters, where⁤ seawater meets freshwater. Infection⁤ can occur through exposure to the organism, such as through‌ an open⁢ wound, cut, or bite ‍that⁢ comes ​into contact with ‌infected water, undercooked or raw shellfish, or direct consumption of ‌shellfish.

“V. vulnificus wound infections have ⁢a short incubation period and are characterized by⁢ necrotizing skin and soft tissue infection,” the CDC warns. In some cases, individuals may develop bleeding blisters. ⁤If left untreated,‌ the infection can spread throughout ⁢the⁢ body and cause blood poisoning.

The CDC advises people with ‌open wounds to avoid ‌brackish or saltwater and to⁢ leave the water immediately if they ⁣receive ‌a cut while swimming. Wounds should be treated with a waterproof bandage‍ and washed‌ with‌ soap and clean water.

‘Initiate Treatment Promptly’

If individuals⁢ believe they ‌have an infection‍ after swimming, the CDC emphasizes the importance of seeking treatment promptly, as it significantly improves‍ the chances of survival. ‍It’s‍ worth noting that the bacteria has developed some​ resistance to antibiotics, and approximately 50 ‌percent of infections do not⁢ respond to treatment.

“Initiate treatment promptly. Early⁢ antibiotic therapy and early surgical intervention improve survival,”‌ the‍ CDC​ advises. “Do not wait for‌ consultation with ⁢an infectious disease ⁤specialist⁢ or laboratory ‍confirmation of V. vulnificus infection ‌to initiate treatment.”

For doctors​ and healthcare workers, the ⁣CDC recommends considering V. vulnificus as a possible cause ‍of infection in wounds‌ exposed to ⁢coastal waters, particularly in patients at higher risk ‌for Vibrio infection, ⁣such as those with underlying health conditions like liver ⁢disease (including alcohol-associated liver cirrhosis), diabetes, and immunocompromising⁢ conditions.

“Ask the ⁣patient or family about relevant exposures, including‌ whether they ​entered coastal⁤ water with an ‌open wound; acquired a scratch or cut while in coastal water; or⁤ had open-wound contact‍ with raw or undercooked seafood,” the CDC advises.

The​ federal health agency⁤ also warns against consuming raw oysters and other shellfish, ‌stressing the importance of ‍thoroughly cooking them before consumption. Additionally, people should wash their ‍hands with soap ‍and water after⁣ handling‌ shellfish.

This ‌summer, health officials in New York, Connecticut, and North Carolina reported multiple fatal or⁢ severe V. vulnificus infections. Florida has seen the highest number of infections this‍ year, with at least five deaths reported in those three states.

“V. vulnificus ‌wound infections⁤ have⁤ a short ⁣incubation period and are characterized by necrotizing⁢ skin and soft tissue ⁢infection,” ⁢the CDC reiterates. Many individuals who contract the bacteria require intensive care or limb amputations, and⁣ some infections‍ can lead ⁢to ⁣necrotizing fasciitis, earning the bacteria its “flesh-eating” moniker.

‘Shouldn’t Be⁣ Taken Lightly’

The⁢ CDC notice also advises local officials to inform tourists and⁢ residents about ⁤the risk ⁣of‌ V. ⁤vulnificus. This deadly bacteria shouldn’t be ‍taken lightly, and ⁤awareness is crucial in preventing further infections.