SARASOTA COUNTY- Three cases of flesh-eating bacteria symptoms have been reported on the Suncoast. Although it’s commonly known as flesh-eating bacteria, AHF Healthcare Foundation’s infectious disease Dr. Vilma Vega says necrotizing fasciitis is much more complicated and isn’t just one type of bacteria.
“Flesh eating bacteria is actually multiple bacteria. We’re not just talking about one or two but several different types that can cause this. What it basically is, that the bacteria can create such an inflammation and infection in the skin that travels through the layers of the skin,” said Dr. Vega.
Ahead of a long summer, with thousands keeping cool in the water, Dr. Vega says whether we are actually seeing an increase in cases is difficult to determine.
“Are we really seeing more cases? Probably not. It’s not really about the waters of the Gulf, but the waters of the Gulf when they are much warmer can put certain bacteria at a higher population and can put more patients at risk,” said Dr. Vega.
Although certain bacteria do become more common in warmer waters, Dr. Vega says there’s no need to panic.
“As long as you are a healthy individual, who does not have immune suppressed conditions and do not have an open wound, then there should be no reason you should not be enjoying your summer,” said Dr. Vega.
However, some are more susceptible to developing an infection.
“Patients who are immune suppressed such as HIV, AIDS patients, or cancer patients. Also patients with liver disease perhaps a patient with hepatitis C or other liver disease such as cirrhosis could be more at risk,” said Dr. Vega.
Dr. Vega warns anyone with a compromised immune system or even minor cuts and scrapes to stay out of the water.
