Warnings issued after three die from grim flesh-eating bacteria

17 August 2023 , 01:23

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Warnings issued after three die from grim flesh-eating bacteria

Three people have died after contracting a rare flesh-eating bacteria.

Two of the deaths came from infections linked to the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus which can be found in raw shellfish or seawater, the Department of Public Health in Connecticut said.

Another death connected to the deadly bacteria was announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul after traces were found in a deceased person in Suffolk County. The Governor urged New Yorkers to learn how to avoid exposure and to take appropriate precautions.

Three people in Connecticut are known to have been infected with the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, which doesn’t make an oyster look, smell or taste any different. The state Bureau of Aquaculture said it does not believe any of the infections are linked to Connecticut shellfish.

Two people have died in Connecticut connected to eating shellfish (AP)

Two of the three cases were wound infections not associated with seafood, the health department said, and the third infection was a Connecticut resident that consumed raw oysters not harvested from Long Island Sound at an out-of-state establishment.

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All three victims were between the ages of 60 to 80 and the two deaths occurred in July, the department said, adding that it’s first time Connecticut has seen a Vibrio case in three years.

Connecticut is home to a thriving oyster industry, and conducts regular tests for the bacteria. Vibrio vulnificus has never been found in state waters, the health department said, and most infections are linked to shellfish from much warmer waters where the bacteria can thrive.

“While rare, the vibrio bacteria has unfortunately made it to this region and can be extraordinarily dangerous,” New York Governor Hochul said. “As we investigate further, it is critical that all New Yorkers stay vigilant and take responsible precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, including protecting open wounds from seawater and for those with compromised immune systems, avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish which may carry the bacteria.”

Vibrio vulnificus is a "opportunistic bacterial pathogen" which grows in warm shallow coastal waters (Getty Images/Collection Mix: Subjects RF)

Vibriosis is the disease caused by several species of bacteria, including Vibrio vulnificus. The bacteria occurs naturally in saltwater coastal environments and can be found in higher concentrations from May to October when the weather is warmer.

Vibrosis can cause a range of grim symptoms including diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and chills. Exposure can also cause sepsis and life-threatening wound infections.

The death in Suffolk County is still being investigated to determine if the bacteria was encountered in New York waters or somewhere else. In the meantime, the New York State Department of Health this week reminded health care providers to consider vibrio vulnificus when seeing individuals with severe wound infections or sepsis with or without wound infections.

Charlie Jones