Is there flesh-eating bacteria in the Gulf Coast?

Flesh-eating bacteria was found in the waters near Gulf Shores, which marks 16 reported cases of Vibriosis in Alabama this year, according to the Mobile County Health Department. A person was recently exposed to Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the most common infection in the flesh-eating bacteria family.

What are the symptoms of the flesh-eating bacteria in Florida?

Severe pain, including pain beyond the area of the skin that is red, warm, or swollen….Later symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis can include:

• Ulcers, blisters, or black spots on the skin.
• Changes in the color of the skin.
• Pus or oozing from the infected area.
• Dizziness.
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Diarrhea or nausea.

Where do flesh-eating bacteria live?

Flesh-eating bacteria can live in lakes, oceans, swimming pools and even hot tubs. Although not an everyday occurrence, the phrase “flesh-eating bacteria” seems to flash across the evening news every few weeks.

Where do you get flesh-eating bacteria?

Flesh-eating bacteria transmission The bacteria that cause necrotizing fasciitis can enter the body through: Surgical wounds. Puncture wounds or other injury. Burns.

What are my chances of getting flesh-eating bacteria?

You’re more likely to be injured in a car accident than develop necrotizing fasciitis (flesh eating bacteria). Only 700 to 1,100 cases occur every year in the United States and only one in four people die.

Is flesh-eating bacteria curable?

Necrotizing fasciitis is a treatable disease. Only certain rare bacterial strains are able to cause necrotizing fasciitis, but these infections progress rapidly so the sooner one seeks medical care, the better the chances of survival.

Does the Gulf of Mexico have flesh-eating bacteria?

More than half a dozen cases of flesh-eating bacteria have been linked to the Gulf of Mexico. Three of the cases were fatal. The bacteria that causes it thrives in warm, brackish water.

Why is the Gulf of Mexico so dangerous?

More than half a dozen cases of flesh-eating bacteria, including three that were fatal, have been linked to the Gulf of Mexico in the past several months. The Gulf’s water and surrounding bays, warm and rich in nutrients, are perfect homes for bacteria that can cause necrotizing fasciitis, the formal name for flesh-eating bacteria.

Where does flesh-eating bacteria come from?

It comes from the rivers down to the south of us—the Brazoria and the Colorado rivers.” Flesh-eating bacteria infections can occur when the microorganisms enter the body, typically through an open wound or break in the skin.

Where do bacteria like to live on the Gulf Coast?

WebMD turned to public health experts to shed more light on these bacteria and to get advice on how to stay healthy. The bacteria thrive in warm saltwater. Most cases of infection happen in the Gulf Coast region, including Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, the CDC says.