A Florida resident has died after being exposed to a flesh-eating bacteria when saltwater containing vibrio vulnificus entered an open wound.
The victim was middle-aged and had
chronic health problems, Fox 13 News reported.
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"For someone who is immune-compromised, or has chronic liver disease, it could be a life-threatening situation," Steve Huard, a spokesperson for the Hillborough County Health Department, told Fox 13. "And it’s as simple as going in the water with open cuts or wounds to your skin."
Florida officials issued a warning about the flesh-eating bacteria, which has infected 11 people and killed three this year in the state.
Eating contaminated
oysters and shellfish also can spread the bacteria, said ABC News.
The bacteria thrive in warm saltwater. Most people recover with antibiotics, but severe infections can lead to amputation. Blood infections also are a concern.
The news alarmed Twitter users.
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