This issue on Vibrio Vulnificus just recently killed a man from Maryland, and now the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is warning everyone to keep an eye on this matter. It is a flesh-eating bacteria that usually reside in warm bodies of waters.
In an article published by Live Science, the victim of this disease, Michael Funk, first had a little wound on his leg that happened to touch the water in Ocean City. His open wound welcomed the bacteria in his bloodstream. The 67-year-old was rushed to the hospital after experiencing some massive pain in his leg. His skin was badly infected that doctors had to cut his leg for the bacteria to stop its spreading. Unfortunately, he succumbed to this disease after four days, as the infection moved really fast towards other parts of his body.
This is a wake-up call for those who frequent the beach, especially the ones who are known for having a warm temperature. According to Tech Times, this flesh-eating bacteria usually inhabit the warm and shallow part of the ocean or sea. They are often found in beaches or bodies of water in countries with tropical weather.
Avoid eating raw seafood like shellfish and oysters. Never go to a warm salt water if you think you have an open wound. Should you be exposed, make sure that you wash your wound immediately using soap and water. Run to the doctor, as soon as you notice signs of your skin being infected.
If a patient handles it right and was immediately given medical attention, the CDC said that there might not experience some long-term consequences from it. However, those who didn't act on it quickly could experience the septic shock coming from this infection. Unfortunately, chances of making it after that are very low.
Share this information with your friends and family, so they are aware of this health news. This could help a lot of people you know, especially if they love to go to the beach.
