George Billiris, a lifelong boat captain and third-generation sponge fisherman, considers himself fortunate to be alive after contracting Vibrio vulnificus — a bacteria often referred to as “flesh-eating” — which thrives in warm coastal waters, including along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
In July 2019, Billiris was wading in the water with his grandson when the bacteria entered his body through a small cut on his lower leg. “I started to get chills, feverish, my leg was swelling, burning,” Billiris said. What began as “just a little tiny scab” quickly became life-threatening.
At the hospital, doctors marked his leg with a pen to monitor the rapid spread of the infection. After three weeks of intensive treatment, the infection subsided, and doctors were able to save his leg from amputation.
Bacteria Thriving in Warmer Waters
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that Vibrio vulnificus can be deadly, with one in five infected individuals dying from the infection due to its rapid spread. The risk intensifies during hurricane season, when conditions can favor bacterial growth.
According to Dr. Valerie Harwood, a microbiologist at the University of South Florida, rising ocean temperatures driven by climate change are expanding the bacteria’s reach. Warmer waters also contribute to stronger and more frequent storms, creating more opportunities for infection. “With warming waters, we are seeing cases further north,” Harwood explained.
Recent years have seen cases appear in states previously unaffected, including the Carolinas, Connecticut, and New York. This year alone, Louisiana has reported 17 cases, Florida 16, and North Carolina seven. Florida has had the highest number of fatalities so far, with five deaths reported.
Other Sources of Infection and the Importance of Awareness
Vibrio vulnificus can also be contracted by consuming raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters.
Since surviving his illness, Billiris remains cautious when entering the water but continues to operate his family’s boat almost daily. He stresses the importance of recognizing symptoms early, as prompt treatment can mean the difference between life and death. “Lot of people waited because they didn’t know,” he said.
The increasing spread of Vibrio vulnificus is closely linked to rising ocean temperatures, bringing this once-regional threat to new areas along the U.S. coastline. Experts and survivors alike stress that awareness, prevention, and rapid medical attention are crucial in reducing the bacteria’s potentially deadly impact.
Key Points
- Risks Posed by Vibrio vulnificus: This bacteria, often called ‘flesh-eating,’ can cause severe infections, especially when it enters through cuts in warm coastal waters, and can be fatal in up to 20% of cases.
- Impact of Climate Change on Bacterial Spread: Rising ocean temperatures due to climate change are expanding the range of Vibrio vulnificus, leading to more infections in northern U.S. states and during hurricane season.
- Recent Increase in Cases Along U.S. Coastlines: States like Louisiana, Florida, and North Carolina have reported a growing number of infections, with Florida experiencing the highest fatalities so far.
- Other Infection Sources and Prevention: The bacteria can also be contracted from eating raw or undercooked seafood, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early symptom recognition for effective treatment.
- Survivor Insights and Public Awareness**: Survivors like George Billiris highlight the necessity of prompt medical attention and awareness about the bacteria’s symptoms, which can be life-saving.
