Texans Alerted to Deadly Flesh-Eating Bacteria Outbreak
A 66-year-old Texas man tragically lost his life after contracting a deadly infection caused by a flesh-eating bacteria.
How Did This Bacteria Enter Texas?
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According to KHOU, the bacteria, identified as Vibrio, caused severe blistering and spread rapidly throughout the man’s body. Vibrio is a gram-negative, curved rod-shaped bacterium responsible for foodborne illnesses and soft tissue infections. Often linked to consuming raw or undercooked seafood, the bacteria thrive in coastal waters, including saltwater, brackish water, and areas where salt and freshwater mix. From May to October, warmer temperatures elevate the bacteria’s concentration, making this period particularly risky.
Symptoms to Watch For
Initial symptoms include fever, followed by swelling, discoloration, fluid discharge near wounds, and intense pain. The victim, who contracted the bacteria while fishing along the Gulf Coast, succumbed to the infection. Texans are urged to remain vigilant and avoid potentially contaminated waters when necessary.