There have been at least three confirmed cases of a flesh-eating bacterial infection in Mississippi, according to the state department of health.
Vibrio vulnificus, otherwise known as "flesh-eating" bacteria, occurs naturally in salty or brackish water in the warmer months. Although there have been no reported deaths from infections caused by the bacteria in Mississippi so far this year, health experts are urging beach-goers to take caution.
Shamira Muhammad
'Flesh-eating' bacteria
Theresa Kittle is the deputy state epidemiologist at the department of health.
“The symptoms can come on suddenly, sometimes less than 24 hours after contact with the bacteria, but sometimes the symptoms can be as short as 12 hours, all the way up to 72 hours,” she said.
Kittle says although the infection is rare, cases are reported in Mississippi every year. Last year, there were eight reported cases of vibrio vulnificus.
Dr. Brett Kathmann leads the wound care department at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport.
“Vibrio is a very, very aggressive bacteria,” he said. “Once it gets into your system, it will cause tissue necrosis and it causes tissue death as it spreads and progresses. So I think that's where it gets its kind of scary nickname of the flesh-eating bacteria. Because it is a very serious and rapidly progressing infection that we see.”
Dr. Kathmann says anyone with a wound should take caution because the bacteria can cause infections at any time through open wounds or even scratches. People can also be exposed to the bacteria by eating raw shellfish, especially oysters.
“Things to watch out for would be if the area around your wound is becoming red, irritated, if it looks angry, if it’s warm or hot, if there's drainage, pus or any concerning drainage. And then pain. It's going to be painful.”
People who are immunocompromised, such as those with diabetes, some liver disease, cancers and HIV, are at increased risk of being impacted by the flesh-eating bacteria. Patients with severe forms of the infection are typically hospitalized and given aggressive antibiotic treatment.
