Deadly Flesh-Eating Bacteria Outbreak Adds to Double Trouble After US Hurricane...

Vibrio Sepsis Bacteria Causing 'Skin Necrosis' Rampant in Stagnant Seawater in Southern Region
50% Mortality Rate if Progressing to Sepsis

A Florida resident is crossing a street submerged in water.
Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] In the southeastern United States, which was swept by the super-strong hurricane 'Ian' early last month, Vibrio vulnificus, known as the 'flesh-eating bacteria,' is rampant, causing a surge in infections.

According to the U.S. daily Washington Post (WP) on the 18th (local time), 65 people in Florida have been infected with Vibrio vulnificus this year, and 11 of them have died. Local health authorities believe that more than half of these patients are linked to the landfall of Ian.

At the end of last month, Ian struck the southeastern U.S., causing about 100 casualties. In addition to human casualties, there was also property damage to homes and infrastructure. Especially, Ian recorded rainfall of up to 60 cm, causing floods in Florida that occur once in 500 years, destroying many houses, buildings, and infrastructure, and causing power outages in 2.6 million households in Florida alone, resulting in significant property damage.

The WP cites 'Ian' as the cause of this Vibrio vulnificus outbreak. Due to flooding, residents were constantly exposed to stagnant seawater in various places, which led to the surge in sepsis cases. In fact, looking at the regions, in Lee County, one of the hardest-hit areas by Ian, 26 out of 28 infection cases reported this year occurred after Ian's landfall. In Collier County, located south of Lee County, there have been three cases of sepsis since Ian occurred.

Vibrio vulnificus infection occurs when wounded skin comes into contact with contaminated seawater. After infection, symptoms such as fever, chills, and diarrhea usually appear after an incubation period of 1 to 3 days, and if it progresses to sepsis, there is a 50% chance of death.

Most importantly, it can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, where the deep subcutaneous tissue rots, which is why Vibrio vulnificus is also called 'flesh-eating bacteria.' In many cases, the infected body part must be amputated.

WP explained that last year, there were 34 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infection in Florida, with 10 deaths. In 2017, when Hurricane Irma struck, there were 50 infections and 11 deaths.

Lee County health authorities warned, "Attention should be paid to the potential risk of wounds that are torn or scratched being exposed to warm, salty water," and added, "Sewage leaks caused by Ian can increase bacterial activity."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.