Flesh eating bacteria: Don’t panic but be aware.

There has been a lot of buzz lately about flesh eating bacteria in nearby waters. After hearing about a few deaths in Florida, people certainly have cause for concern. So, is it safe to go in the water? Probably. Most healthy individuals will not contract it simply from being in the water. Still, an infection can be fatal so it’s important to know how to avoid one. What is it? Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that typically lives in warm salt or brackish water. Is this a huge or unusual outbreak? Not particularly. It happens to be making headlines this year. According to an article on USA Today: “The Florida Department of Health reports that the state averages 16 fatal cases from Vibrio vulnificus annually. Nationally, about 95 cases, 85 hospitalizations and 35 deaths occur each year, according to the department” How is it contracted? People can become infected by consuming contaminated seafood or through the exposure of an open wound to contaminated water. Who is at risk? People with compromised immune systems, especially those with chronic liver disease, are at the highest risk. You can learn more about vibrio vulnificus on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.