{"id":2072966,"date":"2023-10-19T12:01:02","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T16:01:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/flesh-eating-bacteria-cases-on-the-rise-here-are-the-symptoms\/"},"modified":"2023-10-19T12:04:20","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T16:04:20","slug":"flesh-eating-bacteria-cases-on-the-rise-here-are-the-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/flesh-eating-bacteria-cases-on-the-rise-here-are-the-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"Rising Cases of Flesh-Eating Bacteria: Know the Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">16<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fflesh-eating-bacteria-cases-on-the-rise-here-are-the-symptoms%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2072966&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><blockquote>\n<div data-post-content=\"true\" class=\"post_content\" id=\"post_content\">\n<p>A terrifying bacteria known as Vibrio vulnificus, also referred to as \u2064the &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/fact-check-did-alabama-power-caution-people-against-swimming-in-lewis-smith-lake-due-to-flesh-eating-bacteria\/\" title=\"FACT CHECK: Did Alabama Power Caution People Against Swimming In Lewis Smith Lake Due To Flesh-Eating Bacteria?\">flesh-eating bacteria<\/a>,&#8221; has been making headlines lately.\u2064 With\u2062 reports of deaths and patients resorting to\u2063 amputations to control the infection, it&#8217;s\u2062 no wonder this topic has captured public attention.<\/p>\n<p>While this bacteria was \u2064previously more prevalent in the\u2063 Gulf Coast states, recent months have seen cases spreading \u200cnorthward, reaching as far as New York, North Carolina, and Connecticut.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>So\u2064 what exactly is\u200d Vibrio vulnificus, and does it really devour flesh like something out of a \u200bhorror\u200b movie? Let&#8217;s dive in and find out.<\/p>\n<h2>Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases on the Rise<\/h2>\n<p>Vibrio vulnificus belongs\u2063 to a \u200bgroup of bacteria\u2063 commonly referred to as &#8220;flesh-eating bacteria&#8221; due to their ability to cause <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/faith-leaders-get-covid-19-vaccine-to-encourage-vaccination\/\" title=\"Faith Leaders Get Covid-19 Vaccine To Encourage Vaccination\">life-threatening infections<\/a>.\u200b While \u200dinfections caused by this bacteria are rare, they are on the rise.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"shortcode\"><!--$--><\/p>\n<div class=\"border-comp-divider mb-4 mr-4 w-full max-w-[500px] border px-5 py-4 text-[16px] leading-[20px] text-[#262626] md:float-left\" id=\"in_article_related_stories\">\n<h2 class=\"mb-3 font-sans text-[16px] font-semibold uppercase leading-[19px] text-[#2F2F2F]\">Related Stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"mb-4 flex gap-2\">\n<div class=\"grow\">\n<div class=\"mb-1 line-clamp-4 sm:line-clamp-3\">\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/health\/cdc-issues-warning-to-be-on-alert-for-flesh-eating-bacteria-5486010?ea_src=author_manual&#038;ea_med=related_stories\"><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-sm sm:text-base\">CDC Issues Warning to Be on Alert for Flesh-Eating Bacteria<\/h3>\n<p><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-comp-caption text-[14px] leading-[18px]\">9\/4\/2023<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"shrink-0 basis-[70px] sm:basis-[120px]\">\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/health\/cdc-issues-warning-to-be-on-alert-for-flesh-eating-bacteria-5486010?ea_src=author_manual&#038;ea_med=related_stories\">\n<picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" https:><\/source><source type=\"image\/*\" https:><\/source>\n<\/picture>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mb-4 flex gap-2\">\n<div class=\"grow\">\n<div class=\"mb-1 line-clamp-4 sm:line-clamp-3\">\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/health\/florida-officials-confirm-5-deaths-from-flesh-eating-bacteria-in-tampa-bay-5477394?ea_src=author_manual&#038;ea_med=related_stories\"><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-sm sm:text-base\">Florida Officials Confirm 5 Deaths From \u2064Flesh-Eating Bacteria in\u200b Tampa Bay<\/h3>\n<p><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-comp-caption text-[14px] leading-[18px]\">8\/20\/2023<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"shrink-0 basis-[70px] sm:basis-[120px]\">\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/health\/florida-officials-confirm-5-deaths-from-flesh-eating-bacteria-in-tampa-bay-5477394?ea_src=author_manual&#038;ea_med=related_stories\">\n<picture><source type=\"image\/webp\" https:><\/source><source type=\"image\/*\" https:><\/source>\n<\/picture>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!--\/$--><\/div>\n<p>Renowned microbiologist\u2063 and professor Rita Colwell from the University of Maryland, who \u200chas dedicated 50 years to studying Vibrio bacteria, reveals that \u200ccases of infections have multiplied \u2062in recent decades.<\/p>\n<p>Every \u2064year, the U.S. Centers for Disease \u2064Control and Prevention (CDC) receives reports of approximately\u200d 150 to\u200b 200 V. vulnificus infections. Shockingly, \u200cabout\u2064 20 percent of those infected succumb to the infection \u2062within just a day or two.<\/p>\n<p>Vibrio vulnificus thrives \u2062in warm, \u2063salty, \u2062and brackish waters, which explains why\u2063 infections are most \u2064commonly reported in Gulf Coast states such as Texas, Louisiana,\u200b Mississippi, Alabama, and \u200bespecially Florida, with its extensive coastline.<\/p>\n<p>However, there has been a concerning increase in \u2064V. vulnificus\u200c cases along \u200cthe East Coast as well.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Physicians along the Gulf Coast were familiar with this infection.\u2063 But now that the Vibrio \u2062is moving up the Eastern Seaboard, I think\u2062 physicians there\u2014particularly those who work in\u2063 the\u2064 emergency room\u2014are having\u2064 to learn more about this\u200c infection,&#8221; explains Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine and health policy at Vanderbilt University\u200d Medical Center.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>According to\u2063 a recent paper led by Ms. Colwell, V. vulnificus infection cases in Florida have increased fivefold between 1992 and 2022, while eastern states have seen an \u200deightfold \u200bincrease between 1988 and 2018.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The paper focused on coastal waters and\u2062 examined the presence \u200bof V. vulnificus and a related\u200d bacteria called V. parahaemolyticus after Hurricane Ian. Surprisingly, the researchers discovered that hurricanes and floods\u200c can contribute to a higher \u2064prevalence of V. \u2063vulnificus in coastal waters.<\/p>\n<p>Ms. Colwell was astonished by the\u200d concentration of the bacteria found in water samples, as V. \u2062vulnificus is typically less\u2064 common in coastal waters.<\/p>\n<p>Hurricane Ian created an environment that facilitated the growth\u200c of Vibrio bacteria.\u2064 The storm&#8217;s turbulence, combined\u2062 with runoff carrying\u2064 nutrients, created ideal conditions for the bacteria to thrive \u2062and potentially cause infections.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>&#8220;With the temperature of the water being so much higher, \u2062you&#8217;ve got this kind\u2064 of colossal concatenation of events that are ideal for increased risk of bacteria being abundant in\u200b number\u200c and, hence, potential for infection,&#8221; Ms. Colwell explains.<\/p>\n<h2>How Do Flesh-Eating Bacteria Eat Flesh?<\/h2>\n<p>Under\u2063 normal circumstances, if \u200bthe skin&#8217;s barrier remains intact, the bacteria cannot cause a skin infection.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Flesh-eating bacteria\u2064 typically enter the body through breaks in the \u200bskin, such as cuts, scrapes, or wounds. Once inside, they release toxins that\u2063 break \u2062down nearby muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, leading to rapid \u200band progressive tissue death. In some cases, they can also infiltrate other areas, such \u2064as the abdominal wall or perianal and groin \u200bregions, especially among immunocompromised individuals.<\/p>\n<p>The body&#8217;s immune response further contributes to the deterioration of infected tissue. As immune\u2063 cells gather in the infected area, \u200cpressure \u200dand \u2064air build up in the muscles, accelerating the death\u200d of muscle \u200dtissues,\u200b nerves, and blood vessels.<\/p>\n<p>This rapid\u2062 tissue \u200ddeath is\u2064 known as necrotizing \u200cfasciitis, which gives \u200cthe impression that the bacteria are literally consuming \u2064the flesh.<\/p>\n<p>While\u2063 Vibrio vulnificus is one of the bacteria that can\u200b cause\u2063 necrotizing fasciitis, the most\u200b common \u200bculprit behind this condition is group \u200dA Streptococcus, also \u200cknown as group A strep.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>The \u200dincrease in Vibrio vulnificus cases, particularly in states where infections were once rare, has raised concerns among health agencies \u200dand local governments.<\/p>\n<h2>Signs of Infection<\/h2>\n<p>Flesh-eating bacteria, or necrotizing fasciitis, causes excruciating pain in the infected\u200b areas due to\u200b the pressure and\u200b tissue damage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;Incredible pain is one \u200dof the tipping \u2063points,&#8221; explains Dr. H. \u2063Dele Davies, a pediatric infectious disease expert from the University of Nebraska\u2062 Medical Center.<\/p>\n<p>Some patients\u2063 may not exhibit\u200d any signs of \u2064physical injuries, \u200das the bacteria may have entered their bodies \u200cthrough orifices. This is more \u200dcommon among\u200c immunocompromised individuals.<\/p>\n<p>Even if\u2064 the bacteria entered through a skin wound, the infection may not manifest at the entry site. Patients may develop redness or blisters near the \u2064wound opening.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Occasionally, you&#8217;ll see a blister that&#8217;s filled with blood\u2064 or black blood,&#8221; says Dr. Davies. &#8220;But the key message is that they just show up with a lot of pain,&#8221; often without being able \u2063to\u200b explain the cause of that pain.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>Redness, swelling, and pus formation may\u2064 also occur.<\/p>\n<h2>Amputation Not Always Necessary<\/h2>\n<p>When it\u200c comes to treating necrotizing fasciitis, surgical intervention is crucial, according to Dr. Davies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>A surgeon may perform a procedure called \u200bfasciotomy,\u2062 which involves opening up the skin at the painful area to relieve pressure. The surgeon then examines \u200dthe muscle, fascia, \u200cand soft \u200btissues for signs of dead tissue, which are removed. The open wound is thoroughly washed with sterile water to eliminate any remaining bacteria.<\/p>\n<p>Antibiotics \u2062are\u200b also administered intravenously to support the patient. However, Dr. Davies explains that these antibiotics cannot penetrate the fascia, so \u2062they\u200c are primarily given to\u2063 prevent blood infections.<\/p>\n<p>If left untreated, \u2063the \u2063infection in the limbs can spread to the blood \u2062vessels, leading to sepsis. This can cause organ dysfunction and\u200d a significant drop in blood pressure, potentially resulting in damage to\u2064 the lungs, kidneys, liver, and other organs, and\u2063 even \u200ddeath.<\/p>\n<p>Symptoms of sepsis include fever, shaking, chills, a drop in blood pressure, and a visibly ill appearance.<\/p>\n<p>Amputation of infected limbs is considered a last resort when the infection becomes too extensive. By this stage, doctors have typically \u2064attempted \u2064to remove damaged tissues and prescribed antibiotics. However,\u200c if the \u200dinfection persists or worsens, amputation may\u2062 be necessary.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>&#8220;If they&#8217;re so sick that every\u200d time \u200cyou check the blood, the bacteria is\u200c still present, that\u2062 means you have a \u200dtap turned on somewhere,&#8221; explains Dr. Davies, comparing the bacterial infection to a leaky faucet. &#8220;If you don&#8217;t turn off that tap, no matter how\u2063 many antibiotics you give, it&#8217;s like wiping the floor while the tap is \u2064still running. So part of the reason for amputations is\u200d to essentially turn off the flow of water into the sink.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2>How to Reduce the Risk of Infection<\/h2>\n<p>According to the \u2062CDC, there are measures individuals can take to reduce their\u2063 risk \u2062of infection. These include avoiding salty or brackish\u2062 water if they have a wound from surgery, piercing, or\u2063 tattoo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>If there&#8217;s a chance of coming into contact \u2062with saltwater, brackish water, or raw \u200cor undercooked seafood and\u2064 its juices, the wound should be covered with a waterproof bandage.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, any \u2062wounds or cuts should \u200cbe thoroughly\u2064 washed with soap\u200c and water after contact with any of these substances. While this may \u200cnot eliminate all bacteria, it can help reduce the overall bacterial count and\u200b make infections more manageable, according to Dr. Davies.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>&#8220;Overall, this is a rare condition. Most \u200dpeople who come into contact with brackish or saltwater will be fine,&#8221; he reassures. However, individuals with underlying liver disease, diabetes, cancer, or those who are immunocompromised should ensure they have no cuts or bruises before entering the water.<\/p>\n<h2>Cook \u2062Oysters Thoroughly\u2064 Before Consumption<\/h2>\n<p>Less commonly, V. vulnificus\u200c can\u2064 also cause foodborne poisoning through the consumption of raw shellfish and oysters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Vibrio \u200bparahaemolyticus is responsible for the majority of foodborne infections caused by Vibrio bacteria. Most\u2064 people infected with Vibrio experience three \u2063days of diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting before recovering.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>In rare cases, gut infections can be fatal.\u200c In fact, over 95 percent of deaths resulting from seafood consumption are caused by\u2063 V. vulnificus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>An infection can occur when\u200c consuming\u200c raw \u2064or undercooked oysters and shellfish that harbor\u200b the bacteria.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>However, healthy \u200cindividuals typically do not \u2062develop severe gut infections from consuming \u2063raw or undercooked shellfish contaminated with Vibrio, explains Dr. Schaffner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>Immunocompromised individuals, as well as those with liver cirrhosis or high iron concentration in the blood, are particularly at risk. If a gut infection develops and is not eliminated, the bacteria may infiltrate \u200cthe gut lining and enter the bloodstream, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/flesh-eating-bacteria-cases-on-the-rise-here-are-the-symptoms\/\" title=\"Rising Cases of Flesh-Eating Bacteria: Know the Symptoms\">potentially causing life-threatening blood infections<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;This doesn&#8217;t pose a threat to normal individuals, but immunocompromised people are advised against consuming\u200c raw oysters,&#8221; warns Dr. Schaffner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2>Treatments for Vibrio vulnificus infections. What are some current research initiatives in this area?<\/h2>\n<p><span>  T was \u2062conducive for\u200c the growth and spread \u2063of Vibrio vulnificus. The combination of warm waters, increased salinity, \u2062and disrupted ecosystems provided \u200bthe\u200d perfect\u2064 breeding ground for the bacteria. As a \u200bresult, the \u2063number \u200cof infections skyrocketed in coastal areas affected by the\u2064 hurricane.<\/p>\n<p>What makes Vibrio vulnificus particularly \u2063dangerous is its ability to infect humans through \u200bopen \u2063wounds or by consuming contaminated seafood. The bacteria enters the\u200d body and releases\u200d toxins that can \u200dlead to severe skin infections, bloodstream infections, and even necrotizing \u2063fasciitis, a \u2062condition commonly referred to as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/flesh-eating-std-that-causes-beefy-red-sores-spreading-in-uk\/\" title=\"\u2018Flesh-Eating\u2019 STD That Causes \u2018Beefy Red\u2019 Sores Spreading In UK\">flesh-eating disease<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Early symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection include fever, chills, and nausea. As the infection progresses, individuals may experience extreme pain, swelling, and redness \u200bat \u2062the site of the wound. In \u2062severe cases, the \u2064infection can spread throughout\u2064 the body, causing sepsis \u2064and organ failure.<\/p>\n<p>It\u200d is important to \u2064note that not everyone who comes\u2064 into contact\u2063 with Vibrio vulnificus will develop an infection. Those at higher risk include individuals with weakened immune systems, chronic liver disease, \u2063or certain underlying medical conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding \u2062Vibrio vulnificus infections. \u200bThe CDC recommends several\u2063 measures to \u200creduce the risk, such as avoiding raw \u2064or undercooked shellfish, thoroughly cooking seafood, and \u2064practicing good hygiene, especially when handling seafood \u200bor coming into \u200dcontact with seawater. It is also important to promptly clean \u200dand cover any\u2063 cuts\u2064 or wounds and seek\u200d medical attention\u200d if symptoms of infection appear.<\/p>\n<p>As Vibrio vulnificus continues to \u200bspread to new areas,\u2063 it is crucial for healthcare professionals\u2063 to be aware of the symptoms\u200c and\u200c to educate the public\u200d on prevention measures. Improved surveillance\u200b and \u2063reporting\u2063 systems can help identify outbreaks and ensure timely interventions to prevent the further \u2063spread \u200cof \u2063the bacteria.<\/p>\n<p>Efforts are \u200calso being\u2064 made to develop vaccines and<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A deadly bacteria known as Vibrio vulnificus, which causes flesh-eating infections, has gained attention due to deaths and amputations required for control. Initially prevalent in Gulf Coast states, it has now spread to northern regions like New York, North Carolina, and Connecticut.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2278,"featured_media":2072967,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[543],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2072966","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-epoch-times"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2072966","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2278"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2072966"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2072966\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2072967"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2072966"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2072966"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2072966"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}