Deadly flesh-eating bacteria warning as rare illness spreads

19 August 2023 , 18:28

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Five people have died in Florida from the flesh-eating bacteria linked to three deaths in Connecticut and New York (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Five more people in Florida have died from the same flesh-eating bacteria that was responsible for the deaths of three in the New York and Connecticut, bringing the death toll to eight in the United States and prompting warnings from government officials.

According to the latest data from the Florida Department of Health, two people have died in Hillsborough County while one has died in the nearby counties of Pasco, Polk and Seminole County.

The bacteria, vibrio vulnificus, "is a bacterium that normally lives in warm seawater and is part of a group of vibrios that are called “halophilic” because they require salt." Vibrio vulnificus naturally occurs in warm, brackish seawater, the department states on their website.

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The bacteria, vibrio vulnificus, 'is a bacterium that normally lives in warm seawater'. One of the deaths in Florida was in Hillsborough County (AFP via Getty Images)

While infections are said to be rare, the recent uptick of them in the US is prompting local government response across the country as experts track the source of the recent deaths.

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The death in New York State, which occurred in Suffolk County, is still being investigated, according to the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Investigators are looking to determine how the victim came into contact with the bacteria.

While rare, the vibrio bacteria has unfortunately made it to this region and can be extraordinarily dangerous," Governor Hochul said in a news release, issuing guidance for New Yorkers and tourists to the state.

While infections are said to be rare, the recent uptick of them in the US is prompting local government response (Getty Images/Collection Mix: Subjects RF)

She added New Yorkers should "stay vigilant and take responsible precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe."

The best precautions to take for avoiding the deadly bacteria include protecting open wounds from seawater and, for those with compromised immune systems, forgoing raw or undercooked shellfish, she said.

Last month, the Department of Public Health said three people had been hospitalised, with one from Connecticut having had consumed raw oysters. The oysters had been consumed outside of the state.

Oysters were responsible for a death in Connecticut (AP)

The three victims in Connecticut were between the ages of 60 to 80. Two of the death took place in July, according to the state's Bureau of Aquaculture. The state is home to a thriving oyster industry and conducts regular tests for bacteria, but has never found vibrio vulnificus in the state's waters state officials have said.

Anyone can get vibriosis, the illness caused by the bacteria, according to health officials. Those with weakened immune systems, cancer or liver problems, however, may be more susceptible to infection and are more likely to develop complications.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said one species of the bacteria can cause life-threatening infections in wounds. "Many people with Vibrio vulnificus infection require intensive care or limb amputations," the experts said. "About 1 in 5 people with this infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill."

Matthew Wright