As Ebola spreads mercilessly across the world, it appears Florida has a problem that sounds just as awful. As CBS reports, *Florida health officials are warning beachgoers about a seawater bacterium that can invade cuts and scrapes to cause flesh-eating disease*. At least 11 Floridians have contracted Vibrio vulnificus so far this year and two have died, according to the most recent state data.Not exactly great news for Florida beach season...
*Vibrio vulnificus –- a cousin of the bacterium that causes Cholera –- thrives in warm saltwater,* according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If ingested, it can cause stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. But it can also infect open wounds and lead to *“skin breakdown and ulceration,” *according to the CDC.
*“Since it is naturally found in warm marine waters, people with open wounds can be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with seawater,”* the Florida Department of Health said in a statement.
...
Florida isn’t the only state to report Vibrio vulnificus infections.* Alabama, Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi have also recorded cases*, and a 2013 outbreak linked to contaminated shellfish sickened at least 104 people in 13 states, according to the CDC.
ABC News | More ABC News Videos
The CDC's advice:
· Avoid exposing open wounds to warm saltwater, brackish water or to raw shellfish
· Wear protective clothing when handling raw shellfish
· Cook shellfish thoroughly and avoid food contamination with juices from raw seafood
· Eat shellfish promptly after cooking and refrigerate leftovers Reported by Zero Hedge 4 hours ago.