Deaths from “flesh-eating” bacteria are rising across the southeastern coasts of the U.S. In recent reports, at least 5 people have died in Florida, 4 in Louisiana, and 1 in the Outer Banks. Florida has seen 16 cases this year, 17in Louisiana, more than previous years’ annual averages. North Carolina has seen 7 cases this year, and Mississippi has had 3 cases so far this year. The culprit is Vibrio vulnificus, which thrives in warm seawater. The bacteria can get into the body through open wounds in the skin and cause the surrounding tissue to die, a condition known as necrotizing fasciitis, or flesh-eating disease, according to the CDC. People can also get Vibrio vulnificus from eating contaminated foods, particularly raw oysters. It’s unclear how the people in Florida were infected. ~1 in 5 people with a Vibrio vulnificus infection die, according to the CDC. Vibrio vulnificus infections can be treated with antibiotics. @ https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/deaths-flesh-eating-bacteria-rising-florida-louisiana-rcna223832
