As a local to the beaches of Gulf Shores, AL, the news of a flesh-eating bacteria outbreak in both Alabama and Florida waters has me second guessing going for a swim on my day off. The bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, has infected at least eight people and killed two so far this summer. So if you're planning on vacationing to Destin, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, or Panama City Beach this summer, please be cautious when spending time in the water.

Where does the bacteria live?

Vibrio vulnificus has been reported to thrive in coastal waters during the warm May to October climate. This strain of bacteria belongs to the same family of organisms that cause cholera. The illness caused by this bacteria usually occurs after the consumption of Gulf-caught raw seafood, especially oysters.

Effects of V. vulnificus

If you consume the bacteria through raw shellfish, you can end up with severe gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain and vomiting. Coming into contact with this bacteria via water can lead to inflammation, ulcers, and, if the infection worsens, amputation and death. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on average, 35 deaths nationwide are reported each year.

Who is at risk?

In a healthy person, the bacteria will cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The people at risk of death and amputation are those with an underlying immune problem such as chronic liver disease, HIV, or an open cut or wound. With one of these immune problems, the bacteria is more likely to travel into the bloodstream and cause a severe disease with a 50 percent fatality rate. The disease can cause skin lesions which give the bacteria a common name like "flesh-eating bacteria."

Cases Reported This Summer

A friend of mine that I work with in Orange Beach, AL, Kaleb, went for a swim at Fort Morgan Beach, which is located in our hometown, Gulf Shores, AL, caught this bacteria and was in the hospital for three days this summer. He came back to work on crutches for two weeks and still has the area wrapped up. He told me yesterday that, "It was extremely painful, and I'm lucky I still have my leg." Kaleb had a previous injury to the infected leg and that made him more susceptible to the bacteria.

Cason Yeager, 26, of Fruitland Park, FL., died June 16, two days after he and his family went swimming in the Gulf of Mexico south of Pine Island.

Prevention

The CDC advises the following to prevent V. vulnificus infections, especially among immunocompromised persons:

• Do not consume raw shellfish. Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly.
• Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood.
• Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water or to raw shellfish harvested from such waters.