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KNOXVILLE, Tennessee – Several cases of flesh-eating bacteria, also known as necrotizing fasciitis, have resulted in the deaths of people in hospitals in the United States.
A Memphis man died last week after contracting the flesh-eating bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, while he was on vacation in Destin, Florida.
So how common is this and should you worry about swimming in oceans, rivers or lakes?
Are carnivorous bacteria on the rise?
Mark Rasnake, an infectious disease physician at the University of Tennessee, said the Centers for Disease Control had not released any reports confirming an increase in cases of flesh-eating bacteria this year.
"I think it's just one of those things that may be amplified by social media," Rasnake said.
Necrotizing fasciitis is the death of deep tissue and many types of bacteria can become "carnivorous", including group A streptococcus, which causes sore throat but is not badociated with water, according to Rasnake.
The CDC follows the necrotizing fasciitis in the United States caused by group A strep. Its website indicates that since 2010 there have been about 700 to 1,200 cases of necrotizing fasciitis in the country, which "is probably an underestimate".
About one in three people die from infection, according to the CDC.
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According to Rasnake, 20 to 30 types of bacteria can be a source.
The bacterium badociated with seawater and raw oyster consumption is Vibrio vulnificus, while the bacteria found in freshwater sources such as the Tennessee River is Aeromonas.
Vibrio vulnificus and Aeromonas are naturally present in warm waters. Rasnake said July and August were the months when the risk of contracting the bacteria increased as the bacteria and the number of people taking advantage of the water increased.
In Virginia, health officials are issuing warnings about Vibrio parahaemolyticus, also a flesh-eating bacteria.
So far this year, nine people have contracted the infection in the area and one person has died. According to the Virginia Department of Health, Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the most commonly reported type of Vibrio infection in this state. The number of cases tends to increase between April and October due to rising seawater temperatures.
More: Flesh-eating bacteria kill 1 in 9 people in Virginia
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How to avoid it, know its symptoms
Although rare, some people are more likely than others to contract necrotizing fasciitis, according to Rasnake. People with other illnesses and health problems that can reduce the body's ability to fight infections such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver scars and cancer are more likely to get it.
"I do not think people need to be afraid of lakes, rivers or oceans, as long as they are healthy and have no open wounds, I do not think that there is particular risk for most people, "Rasnake said. .
If someone has an open wound, he should avoid going into the water. However, if you do, for example, scratch your leg on a broken shell while you are in the water, look for some symptoms to find out if you may have contracted a bacterium.
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According to the CDC, the first symptoms are red or swollen areas on the skin that spread, fever and sharp pains that are not limited to the wound. If these symptoms are present, it is advisable to go to the hospital.
Other symptoms include ulcers, blisters or blackheads, pus or oozing of the wound, dizziness, tiredness and diarrhea or nausea.
In the worst case scenario, Rasnake said patients can lose the entire limb if bacteria are not detected early enough. In case of early diagnosis, patients may receive antibiotics, although it is always difficult to treat.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation monitors bacterial levels in hundreds of locations across Tennessee and uses E. coli as an indicator of the presence of bacteria, in accordance with Federal guidelines Environmental Protection Agency for regular monitoring of contaminants.
Kim Schofiniski, TDEC's Deputy Director of Communications, said the public should follow all warnings on bacteriology and fish consumption to avoid contracting bacteria.
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Are flesh-eating bacteria contagious?
Most cases of necrotizing fasciitis occur randomly, according to the CDC website.
It is very rare for one person to transmit the infection to other people.
"For this reason, doctors generally do not give preventative antibiotics to close contacts of a person with necrotizing fasciitis," according to the CDC.
Move north as the climate warms
As the bacteria live in warmer waters and there has been an increase in the temperature of the ocean, Rasnake said he expected the bacteria to be found further north.
"As ocean temperatures heat up in places where this bacteria did not live before, they begin to multiply … you can certainly start seeing more and more cases in parts of the country that you do not have. had not necessarily seen before, like the northeastern beaches, "said Rasnake.
Combined with an aging population that is living longer and more people taking immunosuppressive drugs, the number of cases could increase, he said.
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Contribute: USA TODAY & # 39; HUI
Knoxville News Sentinel is at the origin of this article: here's how to avoid getting a "carnivore" bacteria
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