Four people dead in Florida from flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters

A type of flesh-eating bacteria has killed four people in Florida so far this year The state s wellbeing department verified the deaths in a notice posted on the Florida Vitality website A total of people have contracted the bacteria in according to the same source SCIENTISTS CRACK THE CODE ON NEW VACCINE FOR DEADLY PLAGUE BACTERIAVibrio vulnificus is part of a wider group of Vibrio bacteria which are ascertained in coastal waters the U S Centers for Disorder Control and Prevention CDC states This specific bacterium Vibrio vulnificus typically lives in warm brackish seawater and can enter open wounds when people are swimming Another prospective source of infection is raw shellfish especially oysters Florida Fitness noted Although infections are rare Vibrio vulnificus can cause an illness called vibriosis often marked by vomiting diarrhea and abdominal pain as well as potentially severe skin infections the above source cautioned WOMAN DIES OF BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA AFTER USING TAP WATER IN NASAL RINSE DEVICESigns and manifestations of a Vibrio skin infection include fever redness pain swelling warmth discoloration and discharge per the CDC s website While healthy people generally experience only mild markers those who are immunocompromised or have chronic liver disorder can face serious wellness risks If Vibrio vulnificus enters the bloodstream it can cause severe illness marked by fever chills septic shock and blistering skin lesions according to Florida Medical About half of these bloodstream infections are fatal Particular severe cases can cause an infection called necrotizing fasciitis which is when the flesh around an open wound dies the CDC cautions This rare side effect has led to Vibrio vulnificus being described as a flesh-eating bacteria No cases of person-to-person transmission have been announced Florida Wellbeing stated The bacterial infection is diagnosed by testing cultures obtained from stool wounds or blood according to strength personnel For mild infections the CDC recommends increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration Those with severe or prolonged infections should receive antibiotics to improve survival rates For those with infected wounds surgery may be necessary to remove dead tissue CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR MEDICAL NEWSLETTER Aggressive attention should be given to the wound site for patients with wound infections amputation of the infected limb is sometimes necessary Florida Vitality stated About one in five people will die from the infection sometimes within a day or two of illness the CDC states Strength authorities caution against entering warm saltwater or brackish water if any fresh cuts scrapes or wounds are present It s also recommended to not consume raw oysters and other raw shellfish and to avoid cross-contamination of other foods with raw seafood or its juices Protective gloves should be worn when handling raw shellfish Those with liver condition cancer diabetes HIV or thalassemia a group of hereditary blood disorders as well as those who are taking immune-suppressing medications are at a higher peril of complications and should take extra precautions the CDC warns For more Wellness articles visit www foxnews com healthIn a total of cases of Vibrio vulnificus and deaths were shared to Florida Strength There were cases and deaths in