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Florida health officials have said at least seven people have been infected by a "rare" and potentially deadly bacteria that is turning up now that the weather is warmer.
Vibrio Vulnificus bacterium is spiking along the coastal areas of the state, although transmission is not completely reliant on water exposure.
Florida Health Department spokeswoman Mara Burger issued a statement this week about the danger, and said there are several ways a person can be exposed including:
1. Eating raw or under-cooked shellfish or seafood;
2. Swimming in salt water.
"People with open wounds can be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with seawater," she said.
The following Florida counties have registered cases where at least one person has been infected by the bacteria:
- Brevard (1 death)
- Broward
- Duval
- Marion (1 death)
- Pasco
- Santa Rosa
- St.Lucie
The Florida state health department said there have been 32 cases in the past 12 months. According to the state health department, a spike in cases occurs in May-October when water is the warmest.
The bacterial infection can cause gastroenteritis, sepsis and can lead to amputations.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following precautions to avoid Vibrio vulnificus infections:
- Avoid exposing open wounds to warm saltwater, brackish water or to raw shellfish
- Wear protective clothing when handling raw shellfish
- Cook shellfish thoroughly and avoid food contamination with juices from raw seafood
- Eat shellfish promptly after cooking and refrigerate leftovers
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