US Panic: Five Swimmers Die from 'Flesh-Eating' Bacteria
Louisiana health authorities issued a warning following an unusual rise in Vibrio vulnificus infections. Since the start of the year, nine cases have been diagnosed, five of which were fatal. All cases resulted from exposure of wounds to seawater, and the patients had underlying health conditions. Authorities urge avoiding exposure of open wounds to water.
Louisiana health authorities issued a warning on Saturday following an unusual increase in severe infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus, sometimes called the 'flesh-eating bacteria.' Since the start of the year, nine cases have been diagnosed in the state, five of them fatal. In all nine cases, the bacteria entered through a wound exposed to seawater, and all patients had underlying conditions that put them at increased risk for severe illness. While the number of cases is not high, the mortality rate is unusual. In the corresponding period over the previous ten years, Louisiana averaged seven cases and one death. This year, five of nine patients died. The state authorities are urging the public, especially those with chronic diseases, to avoid exposing cuts and open wounds to seawater and brackish water. Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium naturally found in marine environments and warm coastal waters. Its concentration rises especially in warm months, typically from May to October. Infection can occur when water containing the bacteria comes into contact with a cut, abrasion, or open wound, as well as from eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters. Despite the nickname 'flesh-eating bacteria,' the bacteria do not actually eat flesh. The nickname refers to its ability to cause, in some cases, destructive soft tissue infections and rapidly spreading necrosis. The infection may start with redness, swelling, and pain at the wound site, followed by skin discoloration and blisters. In severe cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, cause sepsis, require urgent surgery, and even limb amputation. According to US health authorities, about one in five people with Vibrio vulnificus infection dies, and deterioration can occur within a day or two. The virulent bacterium is not unfamiliar to Israel. The Israeli Ministry of Health defines it as a bacterium naturally found in seawater, beaches, and fish ponds, especially in tilapia fish, known in Israel as 'musht.' Infection can occur during fish handling when a fin, bone, or other part of the fish cuts the skin, allowing the bacteria to enter the body. Israel also has a unique medical history with the bacterium. In 1996 and 1997, a strain of Vibrio vulnificus appeared in the country, later called 'biotype 3,' linked to severe soft tissue infections following injuries from fish bones during fish handling. The outbreak in Israel became part of global medical literature on the bacterium and its link to handling tilapia. Just two years ago, the Israeli Ministry of Health issued another notice following a case where a fish farmer in the Emek HaMaayanot region was infected with Vibrio vulnificus after being stabbed by a tilapia during work. The case illustrated that even a seemingly minor puncture can, in rare cases, lead to significant infection. The risk receives special attention in Israel around holidays when fish demand rises and many families prepare them at home. The Ministry of Health previously issued a dedicated warning before Rosh Hashanah about Vibrio vulnificus when handling raw fish. The guidelines recommended buying fish from licensed places and ensuring the fish has been cleaned of fins, scales, and gills. People with chronic diseases, weakened immune systems, or open wounds on their hands were advised to avoid direct contact with fish. The danger is not that the scale itself is necessarily 'infected.' The bacteria may be present on the fish and in the water environment where it grows, and the scale, fin, or bone can create the injury through which the bacteria enter the skin. Therefore, even a tiny wound while cleaning fish can be significant, especially for those with underlying conditions. The Ministry of Health lists people with chronic diseases and weakened immune systems as risk groups. In the case of seawater exposure, the main recommendation is not to enter the water with an open wound. If exposure occurs, wash the area thoroughly. Anyone who notices spreading redness, swelling, local heat, significant pain, or skin discoloration afterward is urged to seek medical attention promptly and mention that the wound was exposed to seawater or fish. In severe infection, speed of diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics and, if necessary, surgery to remove infected tissue can be critical.