Deadly Flesh Eating Bacteria Reported in Gulf Shores, Alabama

The state of Alabama has reported its first water-borne case of Vibrio, a deadly flesh-eating bacteria.

Get our free mobile app

Although no identifying information about the individual with Vibrio may be shared due to HIPAA, the Mobile County Health Department did say exposure occurred in the waters near Gulf Shores, Alabama.

"Of the more than 70 species of Vibrio that exist, about a dozen can cause human illness — known as Vibriosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that each year in the United States 80,000 individuals become sick with Vibriosis, and 100 people die from their infection," the MCHD said.

The CDC says symptoms of Vibriosis include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea in addition to abdominal cramps. Symptoms can be exacerbated in the immunocompromised.

The Alabama Department of Public Health has verified 16 cases of Vibrosis statewide, three of which have been confirmed by the Mobile County Health Department.

"Vibrio bacteria naturally live in certain coastal waters and are present in higher concentrations between May and October when water temperatures are warmer. However, the bacteria can be present throughout the year in some areas. While Vibrio bacteria can enter the body through a break in the skin, it can also come from consuming contaminated seafood," the MCHD said.

The Alabama Department of Public Health advises those with cuts, abrasions and open wounds to avoid entering bodies of water where Vibrio have been reported.

LOOK: Here are the 10 US golf destinations with the most courses per capita

Discover where you can find the best access in the country for your pick of courses, the unique terrain that lends itself to world-class golf, and what makes select clubs noteworthy.

LOOK: Here are the best lake towns to live in

Many of the included towns jump out at the casual observer as popular summer-rental spots--the Ozarks' Branson, Missouri, or Arizona's Lake Havasu--it might surprise you to dive deeper into some quality-of-life offerings beyond the beach and vacation homes. You'll likely pick up some knowledge from a wide range of Americana: one of the last remaining 1950s-style drive-ins in the Midwest; a Florida town that started as a Civil War veteran retirement area; an island boasting some of the country's top public schools and wealth-earners right in the middle of a lake between Seattle and Bellevue; and even a California town containing much more than Johnny Cash's prison blues.

Do You Remember the Cotton Patch in Eutaw, Alabama?

This legendary restaurant has been closed for almost 12 years and yet it still lives in the memory of locals, UA students, and travelers alike. The Cotton Patch served everyone from Bear Bryant and Joe Namath to Hank Williams himself.

Filed Under: Featured