Flesh-Eating Bacteria

Four separate counties in Florida have reported deaths linked to the infection

A rare flesh-eating bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, has killed four people and sickened at least seven in Florida. Health officials warn of increased summer risk through contaminated water or raw shellfish. The bacteria thrives in saltwater and has caused 100 deaths in Florida since 2016, according to CDC and CBS News.

The bacteria can be inside shellfish, like oystersGetty stock images

However, if Vibrio vulnificus makes its way into the bloodstream or enters the body through a wound, the consequences can be far more serious. It can cause severe drops in blood pressure, blistering skin infections, and necrotizing fasciitis — which is more widely known as flesh-eating disease.

In the most extreme situations, doctors may have no choice but to amputate limbs in order to stop the infection from spreading further and to remove the damaged or dying tissue.

The Florida Health Department noted that although the current infection numbers are lower than the previous year, last year’s cases were unusually high due to Hurricane Helene. The storm led to major flooding, which resulted in more people coming into contact with contaminated water.

PEOPLE magazine reported that a similar spike in infections happened in 2022 following Hurricane Ian, highlighting the dangers of storm-related exposure.

On its official website, the Florida Health Department has issued a strong advisory for people who might be especially vulnerable to these types of infections.

Specifically, people who have fresh cuts, scrapes, or have recently gotten tattoos or piercings are considered to be at a much higher risk of contracting Vibrio vulnificus.

Contaminated water can lead to exposureGetty Stock Image

The advisory also includes this important note: “Individuals who are immunocompromised, e.g chronic liver disease, kidney disease, or weakened immune system, should wear proper foot protection to prevent cuts and injury caused by rocks and shells on the beach.”

To help reduce the risk of infection, the CDC recommends cooking seafood thoroughly, keeping raw shellfish away from cooked foods, and avoiding warm, brackish water if you have an open wound or broken skin.

One person who unfortunately experienced this firsthand is Peter Volpi Jr., who has shared his story of intense pain and the toll the infection took on his life.

In an interview with WFLA, Volpi said he believes he caught the infection while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico.

He described the ordeal as “the most excruciating pain I’ve ever felt” and said it left him stuck in bed for months as he recovered.