Flesh Eating Bacteria
Vibrio vulnificus is a normal part of the bacterial flora of warm salt water, and unlike species such as Escherichia coli, is not indicative of sewage contamination. Vibrio infections can be successfully treated with antibiotics, but in susceptible patients, the infection need to be treated early before it becomes systemic. Bloodstream infections are fatal in about 50 percent of cases. The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 54 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infection in 2006, at least 16 of which were caused by water contact.
In fact, the commonest way to contract this illness is by eating raw shellfish such as oysters or clams contaminated with the organism, which results in gastroenteritis. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that Vibrio vulnificus causes nearly all seafood-related deaths in the USA. Although it is most common along the Gulf coast in the summer months, the range of Vibrio vulnificus can extend to more northern waters if there is a substantial heat wave. But in reality, disease caused by Vibrio vulnificus is relatively rare. Dr. Robert Atmar from Baylor College of Medicine says:
while everyone who eats seafood should be aware of the risk of infection, healthy swimmers don’t need to worry. I wouldn’t alter swimming activities based on this, if you’re otherwise healthy. People who have chronic illnesses like diabetes, are on steroids or have cancer or chronic liver disease, or if they have open wounds or sores, shouldn’t go wading in the Gulf during the summer.
Other species of bacteria can also cause necrotizing fasciitis, in particular Staphylococcus aureus.
