Louisiana health officials have confirmed that two more people have died and at least 22 have been hospitalized from a flesh-eating bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus. This brings the total number of deaths in the state to four so far this year. The bacteria is found naturally in warm saltwater and brackish water, as well as in raw or undercooked seafood. Two of the most recent deaths were from people who got sick after eating raw oysters. What Is Flesh-Eating Bacteria/Vibrio vulnificus? Vibrio are bacteria that live in coastal waters. While most types are harmless, some can cause severe, life-threatening infections, though this is rare. The Vibrio vulnificus strain is particularly dangerous and is responsible for more than 95% of all deaths from seafood-related illness in the United States. Each year, nearly 80,000 people in the U.S. get sick from a Vibrio infection, mostly from eating contaminated food. Of those, about 500 are hospitalized, and around 100 die. How Do People Get Infected With Flesh Eating Bacteria?In Louisiana, officials have recorded 22 total cases this year, and all of those people had to be hospitalized. More than 80% of these cases happened when people were exposed to the bacteria through a wound on their skin while in saltwater. The remaining cases were from people who got sick after eating seafood, such as raw oysters. The bacteria are most common in warm coastal waters, usually between May and October. Because of this, state health officials have issued a warning for residents to take precautions to prevent infections. Does Flesh Eating Bacteria Actually Eat Your Flesh? According to the American Society For Microbiology, the term "flesh-eating" can be a bit misleading. From the bacteria's point of view, its goal is simply to survive. Humans are not its normal home—it's built to live in the ocean. When it gets into a human wound, it uses the tools it already has to stay alive in this new environment. Damaged tissue becomes a food source for the bacteria. By destroying cells, it can also protect itself from the body's immune system. Moving deeper into the body helps it find more food and avoid other germs. Vibrio vulnificus has a set of tools, like special toxins and proteins, that break down body tissue and fight against the body's defenses. For example, one strong toxin called RtxA1 kills human cells and attacks the body's immune cells, allowing the bacteria to spread quickly. The bacteria also really need iron to grow. This is why people with health issues that increase iron in their blood, such as liver disease, are at a higher risk of getting a deadly, full-body infection. Interestingly, the damage isn't just caused by the bacteria. Sometimes, the body's own immune system can make things worse by releasing chemicals that increase swelling and destroy even more tissue. How Can You Protect Yourself From Flesh Eating Bacteria? The best way to stay safe is to avoid these infections in the first place. The CDC advises that if you have an open wound, like a cut or a new tattoo, you should stay out of salty or brackish water, including at the beach. If you do come into contact with water or raw seafood, immediately wash the wound with soap and water. It's also very important to be aware of the risks, especially if you have other health issues. If you get a cut in saltwater and it starts to look infected—with swelling or pain—see a doctor right away. Tell them you were in seawater. The good news is that this bacteria is very sensitive to antibiotics, so catching the infection early is the key to getting better.
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