Flesh-Eating Bacteria Outbreak Rising Along The Texas Gulf Coast

You never know what lurks in the ocean waters.

Normally when people hear about the ocean depths or mysteries of the ocean, they are talking about deep sea creatures, shipwrecks, or something else that is big but far down in the ocean. But not right now, at least not right now along the Texas Gulf Coast.

According to the Dallas Morning News, an outbreak of a flesh-eating bacteria has infected nearly a dozen people and Galveston County officials are trying to find out why. Officials say that vibrio infections have been reported by 11 people compared to just 2 that were reported all of last year.

What Is Vibrio and How Do You Catch It?

Vibrio is a naturally occurring bacteria found in coastal waters and during a stretch of months when water temperatures are higher, May to October, there is a higher concentration of Vibrio according to the Dallas Morning News.

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If someone is infected, there can be two different types of illnesses. The first and most common type of vibrio is caused by eating raw or undercooked shellfish. Symptoms can include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Nothing fun, but nothing as serious as the second potential type of infection.

This type of infection of vibrio is the more serious type and the one that most of the cases in Galveston have been linked to. This infection happens when an open wound comes into contact with coastal waters. Symptoms can include fever, pain, swelling, warmth, redness, discoloration, and fluid discharge. And in the worst cases, flesh around the wound dies.

Galveston Officials Say Don't Panic

Galveston officials are urging people not to panic and remind people that cases are rare and that severe cases are very rare. According to KHOU, most affected by vibro have other conditions.

Health officials said those most affected by vibrio are those with preexisting health issues because it can spread rather quickly, get into the bloodstream and potentially be deadly.

Healthy people usually deal with symptoms similar to food poisoning.

Health officials do say just to use common sense. If you have open wounds, it's probably best to stay out of the water. And for those who eat shellfish like oysters, make sure they are prepared correctly.