The Rising Tide of a Deadly Bacteria: How Warming Waters are Fueling the Spread of Vibrio Vulnificus.

Warming waters are causing an increase in infections with the flesh-eating bacterium Vibrio vulnificus along the east coast of the United States. This bacterium can cause life-threatening wound infections, with a high fatality rate. The increase in infections is linked to climate change and the warming of seawater. The bacterium is naturally found in seawater and is associated with eating raw or uncooked oysters. Urgent action is needed to address the impact of climate change and raise awareness about the risks of V. vulnificus infections. Measures to reduce the risk of infection include avoiding contact with warm saltwater or brackish water if there are open wounds, wearing protective clothing when handling raw shellfish, and thoroughly cooking shellfish before consumption. [Extracted from the article]