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Number Of Flesh-eating Bacteria Cases Rise In Florida. Here's How To Protect Yourself

The Florida Department of Health is reporting that there have been more cases of Vibrio Vulnificus in Florida.

TAMPA, Fla. — The number of flesh-eating bacteria cases has increased to 13 as the number of deaths remains at four, according to health department data.

The cases span Florida and the deaths were in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, Polk and St. Johns. The two new cases are in Bay and Okaloosa counties.

The bacteria is called Vibrio vulnificus, a rare infection that can be contracted from being in warm saltwater. It can also be ingested by eating raw shellfish like oysters. 

What is the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus?

The bacteria live in warm seawater and are part of a group of Vibrio that are called "halophilic" because they require salt, according to the state's health department.

The bacteria is naturally occurring. While infections are rare, they could lead to serious illness or death.

"The worst cases are if you are immunocompromised. If you've got a normal immune system, you should do fine," said Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Edward Hirsch.

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Symptoms of flesh-eating bacteria infections 

The main symptoms are blisters and swelling, according to Hirsch. 

"It progresses to making a hole into whatever part of your body that is infected," he said. 

Diarrhea

Vomiting

Abdominal pain

Fever

Chills

Fast or high heart rate

Confusion

Disorientation

How to prevent flesh-eating bacteria infections

Health officials advise immunocompromised people to wear proper foot protection to prevent cuts and injuries caused by rocks and shells on the beach.

Dr. Hirsch said an important tip for everyone is not to swim with open wounds. 

Avoid flesh-eating bacteria in shellfish

Health officials provided the following tips for avoiding Vibrio vulnificus infection from shellfish:

Do not eat raw oysters or other raw shellfish.

Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly.

For shellfish in the shell, either boil until the shells open and continue boiling for five more minutes, or steam until the shells open and then continue cooking for nine more minutes. Do not eat those shellfish that do not open during cooking. Boil shucked oysters at least three minutes, or fry them in oil at least 10 minutes at 375°F.

Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood.

Eat shellfish promptly after cooking and refrigerate leftovers.

Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water, or to raw shellfish harvested from such waters.

Wear protective clothing (e.G., gloves) when handling raw shellfish.

Flesh-eating Bacteria Reported In Florida

Multiple cases of flesh-eating bacteria have been reported in Florida.

But what exactly is that and do locals and tourists need to be concerned?

"Infections with Vibrio vulnificus bacteria are common during the months of May through October when the water is warmer. They tend to thrive and multiply during that time, especially after hurricanes, or if there's been storms, or any type of flooding," explained Lyssette Cardona, MD, infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic Florida.

Dr. Cardona said this type of flesh-eating bacteria is found in warm, brackish seawater along coastlines in the United States and around the world.

It can be contracted by eating contaminated shellfish, like oysters, clams and mussels, and by ingesting contaminated water while swimming.

While rare, it can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills, and in more severe cases, flesh-eating infections and even death.

Dr. Cardona said the best way to protect yourself is to thoroughly cook raw shellfish and avoid swimming in contaminated water.

"It is important that if you have any immunocompromising conditions, such as liver disorders, that you avoid contact with contaminated water, avoid swallowing any type of seawater, or brackish water, shower after swimming, and monitor for any alerts that the department of health may place in areas that may be more contaminated," she advised.

She adds that people with open wounds need to be careful too and should cover any cuts or scrapes with a water-proof bandage.

If you suspect you've contracted Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, you should consult with your medical provider.

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