New York and Connecticut are grappling with the tragic deaths of three individuals as a result of a rare and virulent flesh-eating bacterial infection. Health authorities have responded by issuing updated guidance to aid in prevention and diagnosis.
In the wake of the fatalities, officials disclosed that one victim in New York’s Suffolk County, located on the eastern part of Long Island, and two individuals in Connecticut succumbed to infections attributed to vibriosis. This condition stems from the vibrio vulnificus bacterium, which resides in seawater and is prevalent in raw and undercooked seafood. It can lead to skin deterioration, ulcers, and other severe symptoms.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s office declared on Wednesday that investigations were ongoing into the Suffolk County fatality, seeking to pinpoint the source of the flesh-eating bacterial exposure. Simultaneously, updated guidance has been released, urging residents to adopt precautionary measures.
Two residents of Connecticut have also lost their lives this summer due to the flesh-eating bacteria, as confirmed by the state Department of Public Health on Tuesday. Last month, the department reported three cases since July 1, revealing that all three patients required hospitalization.
Among the reported cases, two were wound infections unrelated to seafood, while the third involved a Connecticut resident who consumed raw oysters from an out-of-state establishment, not harvested from Long Island Sound.
All three victims, aged between 60 and 80, succumbed in July, marking the first instance of a Vibrio case in Connecticut in three years.
Despite the thriving oyster industry in Connecticut, regular tests have prevented the presence of Vibrio vulnificus in state waters. The state’s Bureau of Aquaculture has introduced cooling requirements since 2014 to prevent bacterial survival. In high-risk areas, oysters are immediately immersed in an ice slurry after harvesting, while lower-risk areas necessitate refrigeration or icing within five hours of harvest.
Governor Hochul encouraged vigilance and responsible precautions, emphasizing the importance of safety for New Yorkers and their loved ones.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that vibriosis leads to around 80,000 illnesses and approximately 100 deaths in the U.S. annually. Most infections occur between May and October when water temperatures rise. Mild cases typically resolve within three days, but severe infections may necessitate intensive care or limb amputation, resulting in a 1 in 5 fatality rate.
Individuals with certain health conditions, including liver disease, cancer, weakened immune systems, or those taking stomach acid-reducing medications, face heightened vulnerability. To reduce the risk of infection, individuals are advised to cover wounds, piercings, or tattoos when exposed to warm seawater, avoid consuming raw shellfish with weakened immune systems, wear gloves when handling raw shellfish, and practice proper hygiene.
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Research indicates that vibriosis infections have surged in the eastern U.S. since the late 1990s, with projections of further increases due to climate change and warming waters. The recent deaths in Missouri and Florida underscore the gravity of the issue, prompting heightened vigilance and preventative measures.
