US reports three deaths from rare, flesh-eating bacteria

At least three deaths in the US were tied to a rare flesh-eating bacteria. The deaths were reported in New York and Connecticut. 

The bacteria, which is called Vibrio vulnificus, is usually found in warm and mildly-saline water. It usually enters the human body through contaminated seafood.

Connecticut’s Department of Health said that all three people who died were between the ages of 60 and 80. Officials also issued safety guidelines.

The department’s head advised people to “consider the potential risk of consuming raw oysters and exposure to salt or brackish water and take appropriate precautions.”

“While rare, the vibrio bacteria has unfortunately made it to this region and can be extraordinarily dangerous,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement on Wednesday.

The deadly bacteria can cause septicemia, severe wound infections, and gastroenteritis. Its symptoms include chills, fever, diarrhoea, stomach pain and possible vomiting.