Flesh-eating bacteria devour man's arm and leg in just three days
Summary
A 74-year-old man in Florida developed a severe flesh-eating bacterial infection after cutting his leg in Gulf Coast waters. The infection rapidly destroyed his leg and arm tissue within three days, leading to leg amputation and skin grafts, but he recovered after treatment. Doctors warn that these infections are becoming more common due to climate change increasing bacteria numbers in coastal waters.Key Facts
- The man got a cut on his right leg after jumping into warm, brackish water off Florida’s Gulf Coast.
- The infection was caused by the Vibrio vulnificus bacterium, which eats human flesh and can cause severe illness.
- Vibrio vulnificus enters the body through wounds exposed to contaminated water or by eating raw or undercooked seafood.
- Symptoms appeared quickly, with skin discoloration, swelling, blood blisters, and tissue dying within three days.
- The man’s right leg was amputated above the knee, and his arm needed skin grafts from other parts of his body.
- Vibrio vulnificus infections have about a 35% death rate, higher for people with weakened immune systems or liver problems.
- The number of Vibrio vulnificus cases in the U.S. has increased eight times between 1998 and 2018, expanding into northern states.
- Climate change, including warmer waters and changed salt levels, helps spread Vibrio vulnificus to new areas and raises infection risks.
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