2nd person dies in Florida from 'flesh-eating' bacteria found in oysters and swimming water: How to reduce your risk of a Vibrio vulnificus infection
Florida health officials have confirmed a second death this year caused by the rare 'flesh-eating' bacteria Vibrio vulnificus. The bacteria, which thrives in warm coastal waters, poses a serious health risk to those with open wounds or compromised immune systems.
Why it matters
Increased awareness of environmental health risks is critical as climate conditions potentially expand the range and prevalence of dangerous pathogens.
A grouping of Vibrio vulnificus bacteria is revealed in a 13,184x magnified scanning electron microscopic image from 2005. (BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Florida health officials confirmed on Thursday that a second person has died in the state from the flesh-eating bacterium Vibrio vulnificus. The second death was reported in Marion County, and the first was reported in Palm Beach County. It marks the second death in the U.S. this year.
There have been 14 other cases confirmed across Florida, according to the state's health department . Elsewhere, there have been a total of six confirmed cases in Alabama, while Connecticut detected a case in February, according to state public health departments.
They come as Stony Brook University announced new research in April, finding that some bays and waterways off the coast of Long Island, N.Y., have developed the right conditions for Vibrio vulnificus to thrive.
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