Up to 200 folks within the United States yearly report Vibrio vulnificus infections to the CDC. A fifth of the circumstances are deadly, typically inside one or two days of the onset of sickness, in keeping with the company.

“V. vulnificus wound infections have a short incubation period and are characterized by necrotizing skin and soft tissue infection,” it stated. The CDC says many individuals contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus “require intensive care or limb amputations,” and that some infections lead to what’s known as necrotizing fasciitis, a extreme an infection by which the flesh round an open wound dies.

Friday’s warning urges health-care suppliers to contemplate the micro organism as a potential reason behind contaminated wounds, significantly if sufferers had been uncovered to heat coastal waters throughout hotter months. “Extreme weather events, such as coastal floods, hurricanes, and storm surges, can force coastal waters into inland areas, putting people that are exposed to these waters” at elevated threat of Vibrio wound infections, the CDC stated.

This 12 months, well being officers have reported at the least one loss of life linked to the micro organism in New York; two in Connecticut; three in North Carolina; and 7 in Florida.

What we know about the rare flesh-eating bacteria that’s killed 3

Vibrio vulnificus is primarily transmitted when an open wound comes into contact with salt water or brackish water, the CDC stated, including that person-to-person transmission has not been reported. Those with underlying well being situations corresponding to liver illness, diabetes and immunocompromising situations are at increased threat of wound an infection.

In round 10 p.c of circumstances, the micro organism infect those that have eaten uncooked or undercooked shellfish.

The micro organism thrives in hotter waters, particularly between May and October, and “in low-salt marine environments like estuaries,” in keeping with the CDC.

The company advises folks with an uncovered wound or reduce to keep away from swimming in saltwater or brackish water. “If you get a cut while you are in the water, leave the water immediately,” it stated.

The CDC recommends the usage of waterproof bandages. Other recommendation to keep away from an infection consists of cooking shellfish earlier than consuming them and washing palms with cleaning soap after dealing with uncooked shellfish.