Epoch HealthFlesh-Eating Bacteria Cases on the Rise: Here Are the Symptoms

Rising Ocean Temperatures: A Hotbed for Flesh-Eating Bacteria

As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, an unexpected consequence has emerged. The rise in ocean temperatures is leading to an increase in infections caused by Vibrio bacteria, often referred to as “flesh-eating bacteria”. This has raised concerns among healthcare professionals and the public alike.

Key Points

• Vibrio bacteria can cause severe wound infections, gastrointestinal distress, and even death.
• People with liver disease, diabetes, and immunocompromising conditions are at an increased risk.
• Infections are typically spread by consuming raw oysters or entering saltwater with an open wound.
• The CDC issued a health advisory due to an increasing number of fatal Vibrio vulnificus infections.
• Infections are becoming more common in parts of the US beyond the southern Gulf Coast states due to rising ocean temperatures from global warming.

According to the World Health Organization, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050.

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