Health and Fitness

Warning: Dangerous “Flesh-Eating” Bacteria Case Rising in US Due to Climate Change

The Flesh-eating bacteria case rise in US eastern coast area due to climate change according to recent studies.

Global climate change now leading to a spike in lethal flesh-eating bacteria “Vibrio vulnificus” in the US eastern coast new study published in Science Reporter Journal.

US eastern coast is the global hotspot for such flesh-eating bacteria cases.

The temperature rises or carbon emission has a direct connection to the spread of the V. vulnificus case rise in the US because it increases the temperature of the Atlantic Ocean, suitable for the growth of the bacteria.

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Scientists Warn of Spike in Flesh-Eating Bacteria Case in Their Studies

Flesh-Eating Bacteria in US

A new study by the UK University of East Anglia suggests that the number of cases of V.vulnificus infections has risen from 10 to 80 per year over a 30-year period.

Scientists use the climate-based computer model and temperature information to predict where in the US cases might occur by the end of the 21st century.

The studies were published in Scientific Reports Journal.

The lead author of the study Elizabeth Archer, a postgraduate researcher in UEA’s School of Environmental Science said –

The projected expansion of infections highlights the need for increased individual and public health awareness in the areas affected. This is crucial as prompt action when symptoms occur is necessary to prevent major health consequences.

“Greenhouse gas emissions from human activity are changing our climate and the impacts may be especially acute on the world’s coastlines, which provide a major boundary between natural ecosystems and human populations and are an important source of human disease.

“We show that by the end of the 21st Century, V. vulnificus infections will extend further northwards but how far North will depend upon the degree of further warming and therefore on our future greenhouse gas emissions.

“If emissions are kept low, then cases may extend northwards only as far as Connecticut. If emissions are high, infections are predicted to occur in every US state on the East Coast. By the end of the 21st Century we predict that around 140-200 V. vulnificus infections may be reported each year.”

Chronology of V.vulnificus “Flesh-Eating Bacteria” Cases Rise in US East Coast

Flesh-Eating Bacteria in US

The rise in the flesh-eating bacteria case on US east coast has gone up from 10 to 80 per year over a 30-year period.

It starts in the late 1980s when cases were found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the southern Atlantic coast.

Now they can be found in the far north of Philadelphia. Researchers predict that by 2041- 2060 infections may spread to major populations in New York.

In 2081-2100 infections may be present in every Eastern US due to an increase in global pollution.

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What are Flesh-Eating Bacteria or Vibrio vulnificus?

Flesh-Eating Bacteria in US

 

Vibrio vulnificus bacteria can cause life-threatening diseases. It grows in the warm and saltwater of the oceans.

Elder people and people with liver diseases are susceptible to gaining infections.

How Flesh-Eating Bacteria Spread?

Flesh-Eating Bacteria in US

It spread through various modes -:

  • By eating raw seafoods or oysters
  • If you have wounds and are cut, if you contact with salt water, you can easily get the infection.

Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus Infection

Flesh-Eating Bacteria in US

  • Water diarrhea
  • Vomiting, stomach cramping
  • Fever
  • Blood Infection: low blood pressure, blistering skin lesion
  • Wound infection: Redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, and discharge.

Preventive Steps of Vibrio vulnificus Infection

Flesh-Eating Bacteria in US

  • If you have wounds stay away from the brackish water
  • Try to cover your wounds with a water-proof bandage if you are in swimming activity or a fisherman
  • If in any case, you contact with saltwater wash your wound immediately

Treatment of Vibrio vulnificus or Flesh-Eating Bacteria

Flesh-Eating Bacteria in US

Infection can detect an ill person by blood, stool, and wound of an ill person. It can be treated with prescribed antibiotics.

For Further detail, you can check the guideline of the CDC here below click on the link -: CDC Guidelines

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