LONG ISLAND, NY — Officials confirmed Friday that the person who died of a rare, flesh-eating bacteria on Long Island was a 55-year-old-man.
Suffolk County officials said the man lived in Brookhaven Town but did not give any additional information.
Health officials this week warned of a rare flesh-eating bacterium known as Vibrio vulnificus, found naturally in warm coastal waters, that has killed at least eight people along the East Coast this summer.
In addition to the Long Island death, two people died in Connecticut after becoming infected, health officials in both states said this week. Five people have died in Florida so far this year, according to state health officials.
Vibrio infections are commonly associated with eating raw or undercooked oysters and other seafood, but also occur when people with open wounds or cuts come in contact with seawater or brackish water where the bacteria are present, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said: “We are reminding providers to be on the lookout for cases of vibriosis, which is not often the first diagnosis that comes to mind. We are also suggesting to New Yorkers that if you have wounds, you should avoid swimming in warm seawater. And, if you have a compromised immune system, you should also avoid handling or eating raw seafood that could also carry the bacteria.”
Three people in all were hospitalized in Connecticut after becoming infected. Two of the three Vibrio vulnificus infections reported in that state were wound infections not associated with seafood. The third infection was a Connecticut resident who consumed raw oysters at an out-of-state establishment.
“The bacteria is extraordinarily dangerous,” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said after the Long Island resident died as a result of the infection. Hochul said that vibriosis can cause skin breakdown and ulcers.
Hochul urged New Yorkers to learn how to avoid exposure and to take appropriate precautions, as the New York State Department of Health reminded providers to consider vibriosis when diagnosing wound infections or sepsis of unknown origins.
“While rare, the vibrio bacteria has unfortunately made it to this region and can be extraordinarily dangerous,” Hochul said. “As we investigate further, it is critical that all New Yorkers stay vigilant and take responsible precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, including protecting open wounds from seawater and for those with compromised immune systems, avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish which may carry the bacteria.”
Vibriosis is caused by several species of bacteria, including the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, which occurs naturally in saltwater coastal environments and can be found in higher concentrations from May to October when the weather is warmer, Hochul added.
Infection with vibriosis can cause a range of symptoms when ingested, including diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and chills. Exposure can also result in ear infections and cause sepsis and life-threatening wound infections.
The death in Suffolk County is still being investigated to determine if the bacteria was encountered in New York waters or elsewhere, Hochul said.
“While we continue to investigate the source of this rare infection, it is important for residents to remain aware and vigilant on precautions that can be taken,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said.
While anyone can get vibriosis, those with liver disease, cancer or a weakened immune system or people taking medicine to decrease stomach acid levels may be more likely to get an infection or develop complications when infected, Hochul said.
To help prevent vibriosis, people with a wound, such as a cut or scrape, a recent piercing or tattoo, should avoid exposing skin to warm seawater in coastal environments or cover the wound with a waterproof bandage.
In addition, those with compromised immune systems should avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish, such as oysters, which can carry the bacteria. Wear gloves when handling raw shellfish and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water when finished.
People infected by the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria often require intensive care or limb amputations, and about one in five die, often within a day or two of becoming ill, according to the CDC.
People at greatest risk for illness from the infection are those with weakened immune systems and the elderly. Some Vibrio vulnificus infections lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies, inspiring the “flesh-eating bacteria” moniker. The necrotizing fasciitis can be caused by more than one type of bacteria, according to the CDC.
Besides occurring naturally in warm coastal waters, Vibrio vulnificus infections have also been associated with hurricanes, storm surges and coastal flooding.