U.S. heat wave linked to uptick in flesh-eating infections
Officials warn these types of infections could become more common as waters warm.
In the summer of 2023, 11 cases of severe, potentially flesh-eating infections were reported in three U.S. states (North Carolina, Connecticut, and New York) following record-breaking heat waves and elevated sea surface temperatures, according to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Five people died from the vibrio vulnificus infection, which can be contracted through contact with salt water, brackish water, or raw seafood. Four patients experienced septic shock.
The deadly microbe lives in coastal waters. If it enters the body through an open wound, it can lead to a "flesh-eating" infection known as necrotizing fasciitis. This severe infection causes the surrounding tissue to die.
When ingested through raw seafood, individuals may experience nausea and stomach upset. In severe cases, it could progress into life-threatening septic shock.
The severe cases affected primarily elderly individuals with underlying health conditions.
Vibro vulnificus thrives in warm water -- which the U.S. had plenty of in the summer of 2023, with widespread heatwaves that caused above-average sea surface temperatures.
As sea waters warm, officials warn that these infections could become more common.
Individuals can protect themselves by avoiding wound contact with brackish water, salt water, and raw seafood and thoroughly cooking oysters and other seafood before eating.
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