As coastal waters continue to warm, health officials are paying closer attention to Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium.
That can cause serious and potentially life-threatening infections. While such infections remain uncommon, the bacteria can cause severe illness when they enter the body through wounds or are consumed through contaminated seafood.
What is a “flesh-eating” infection?
The term refers to necrotizing fasciitis, a rare infection in which bacteria destroy tissue beneath the skin. Several types of bacteria can cause the condition, including group A Streptococcus and Vibrio vulnificus.
In severe cases, the infection can progress rapidly and damage muscles, nerves and blood vessels. Treatment requires urgent medical care and may include intravenous antibiotics and surgery to remove infected tissue.
How does Vibrio spread?
Vibrio vulnificus naturally occurs in warm seawater and brackish water, particularly during warmer months. People can become infected when contaminated water enters an open cut, scrape or sore.
The bacteria can also be present in shellfish, especially oysters. Eating raw or undercooked shellfish can cause infection, while handling contaminated seafood with an uncovered wound can allow bacteria to enter the body.
Why is warming water a concern?
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Increasing ocean temperatures are creating more favourable conditions for Vibrio bacteria and allowing them to appear in coastal areas that previously had fewer cases.
Researchers have also linked extreme weather events, including hurricanes and storm surges, with increased exposure to contaminated coastal and brackish water.
People with weakened immune systems or certain underlying conditions face a greater risk of severe illness. Older adults and people with liver disease, diabetes, cancer or other conditions affecting immunity should take particular care.
Symptoms that require attention
Symptoms following exposure can include increasing pain, redness, swelling and fever around a wound. Severe infections can progress quickly and may cause changes to the affected skin or other serious symptoms.
If these symptoms develop after contact with seawater, brackish water or raw seafood, seek medical attention promptly and tell the healthcare provider about the exposure.
Simple ways to stay safe
The CDC recommends several precautions:
- Stay out of seawater or brackish water if you have an open wound.
- Keep unavoidable wounds completely covered with a waterproof bandage.
- Wash wounds immediately with soap and clean water after exposure to coastal or brackish water.
- Do not handle raw seafood if you have an open cut or wound.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish.
- Take extra precautions if you have a condition or take medication that weakens your immune system.
Vibrio vulnificus infections are still rare, but their potentially rapid progression makes prevention important. Avoiding exposure through open wounds and consuming properly cooked seafood can significantly reduce the risk.
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