Death toll from flesh-eating bacteria rises: These are the Vibrio warning signs to watch for

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Flesh-eating bacteria warning before July 4: What you need to know | Morning in America

Flesh-eating bacteria warning before July 4: What you need to know | Morning in America

(NEXSTAR) – Beachgoers in several southern states have been warned to proceed with caution after several more deaths were reported in people who contracted vibriosis, an infection from a bacteria that can cause “flesh-eating” disease.

The culprit is Vibrio, a bacteria that occurs naturally in coastal waters. People most commonly get infected by eating shellfish, like oysters, but you can also be contract it by swimming with an open wound.

About 80,000 people get vibriosis every year, and in most cases it’s not life-threatening. However, some people catch a more dangerous species of the bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus.

Infection from Vibrio vulnificus can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a serious form of bacterial infection commonly referred to as “flesh-eating” disease. People who get this serious form of Vibrio infection may need intensive care or limb amputation. It progresses rapidly, and 1 in 5........

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