Cases of a flesh-eating bacteria are on the rise in North Carolina, according to the NC Department of Health and Human Services. The bacteria is called Vibrio and lives in brackish and saltwater.
The state's department of health says there's been 59 cases — 36 probable cases and 23 confirmed to be Vibrio — across the state from the start of this year through the end of July. This includes one death due to Vibrio. The data is likely to change as more cases are reported and confirmed, the department added.
Data shows this is the highest midsummer total of confirmed cases in the last five years, and cases traditionally peak in late August.
Vibrio can be foodborne, likely from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, often causing people to have the same symptoms as food poisoning.
The bacteria can also get into open wounds while people are swimming in oceans, sounds, rivers and streams, which may result in the breakdown of the skin and surrounding tissues.
State health officials say most Vibrio cases can be prevented by "...thoroughly cooking seafood, especially oysters. Wound infections can be prevented by avoiding exposure of open wounds to warm seawater, showering well after being in the water, and by promptly tending to any new wounds by immediately washing well with clean, potable (drinkable) freshwater and soap."
