A spate of fatalities involving “flesh-eating” bacteria in warmer coastal waters has resulted in at least six deaths on the East Coast this summer.
Health authorities report that during July and August, two individuals in Connecticut, one in New York, and three in North Carolina succumbed to Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium that can be deadly.
While the Gulf states usually see a handful of deaths related to Vibrio vulnificus, it is unusual for such cases to surge in East Coast states.
In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory to alert doctors, laboratories, and public health departments to remain vigilant for these infections.
Dr. Rita Colwell, a microbiologist and marine expert at the University of Maryland at College Park and Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, advised caution, emphasizing the importance of prompt treatment for infections. She clarified that the situation is not catastrophic but warrants careful attention.
Vibrio bacteria are responsible for approximately 80,000 illnesses annually in the United States, according to the CDC. Of particular concern is Vibrio vulnificus, which can lead to life-threatening infections. The CDC records between 150 and 200 infections each year, with approximately one in five patients succumbing to the illness, often within a day or two of onset.
These bacteria naturally inhabit saltwater and brackish waters, with higher prevalence during the summer months, spanning from May to October.
Dr. Antarpreet Jutla, an associate professor in the department of environmental engineering science at the University of Florida, explained that the bacterium is typically contracted by individuals visiting coastal waters for recreation, especially if they have open wounds or exposed skin. The bacteria enter these openings, potentially leading to infection.
Consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, such as oysters from coastal waters, also elevates the risk of Vibrio vulnificus infection.
Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection may include fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and watery diarrhea. In cases of bloodstream infection, patients may experience fever, chills, low blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions. Wound infections manifest as redness, pain, swelling, warmth, fever, discoloration, and discharge. Wound infections can escalate to necrotizing fasciitis, a condition where the tissue surrounding an open wound dies. Treatment involves antibiotics and fluid replacement. In severe cases, necrotizing fasciitis may necessitate limb amputation.
The CDC reported that many of the infections in Connecticut, New York, and North Carolina were associated with open wounds exposed to coastal waters, while some resulted from the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood. The origins of certain infections remained unclear.
To mitigate the risk, health officials recommend that individuals with open wounds avoid saltwater and brackish water. If contact with such water is unavoidable, thoroughly clean the wound with running water and soap. Furthermore, individuals should refrain from consuming or coming into contact with raw shellfish.
Tessa Getchis, an extension educator with Connecticut Sea Grant & University of Connecticut Extension, emphasized that simply covering a wound with a waterproof bandage is insufficient, and those with open wounds should avoid contact with water entirely until the wound has healed.
Jutla pointed out that as more populations settle along the coastlines and warming temperatures extend the period of warmer coastal waters, this issue may become more prominent. He cited research conducted at the University of Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in 2020, where extensive sampling of Vibrio vulnificus was found in water samples even four weeks after the hurricane. With recent hurricanes like Idalia in southern states, floodwaters and storm surges may create opportunities for Vibrio vulnificus infections.
Experts advise caution and suggest avoiding flooded waters in regions affected by hurricanes or storms, particularly when warming coastal waters are prevalent.