Carnivorous bacteria have killed eight people in the US, sparking a warning about swimming in the sea and eating shellfish

Florida had 74 Vibrio vulnificus cases and 17 deaths last year. eight people have died on the east coast of the United States, prompting warnings from authorities about swimming in the sea and eating shellfish.

Five deaths from the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus occurred in Florida. Three more deaths occurred in Long Island, New York and Connecticut.

Health ministers have warned people with open wounds to stay out of the water to avoid infection.

The two people who died in Connecticut are believed to have been swimming in Long Island Sound, a tidal mouth of the Atlantic Ocean.

A third victim was taken to hospital after reportedly eating raw oysters at an out-of-state establishment.

Health officials in New York are still investigating how the person came into contact with bacteria.

«While rare, vibrios have unfortunately invaded this region and can be extremely dangerous,» said Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State.

«As we investigate further, it is critical that all New Yorkers remained vigilant and took responsible precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, including protecting open wounds from seawater and for people with weakened immune systems, avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish that can be carriers. bacteria.

Health officials have warned people with open wounds to stay away from water to avoid infection. Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty

Five deaths in Florida have occurred in the southeastern Tampa Bay region.

A total of 26 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infection have been reported in the state since January. Florida had 74 cases and 17 deaths last year.

The high death toll in 2022 was attributed to an increase in bacteria levels after Hurricane Ian spilled sewage into the ocean.

According to one estimate. , this bacterium causes 800,000 illnesses and about 100 deaths in the US every year, with most infections occurring in the summer when the weather gets warmer. year in the United States, indicators jumped eight times, experts attribute to climate change.

A study published earlier this year in the journal Nature Portfolio found that bacteria and infections were spreading north along the east coast at a rate of about 30 miles a year as coastal waters where bacteria live warmed up.

If contracted from eating undercooked shellfish, the disease causes gastrointestinal symptoms, including fever. , chills and vomiting.

These bacteria are associated with necrotizing fasciitis, a potentially fatal, rapidly spreading bacterial infection that kills one in five people. Treatment may involve amputation of limbs. People with weakened immune systems are most at risk.

William Schaffner, a professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, urged people to take basic precautions to reduce their risk of infection. “If you are immunosuppressed and have a new, unhealed injury, stay away from water. Instead, it's time to relax in the sun,” he said.