Flesh-eating bacteria is striking fear in people who love beaches. After Brittany Carey’s incident where she lost her son to vibrio after a trip to Maryland, 56-years-old Gary Evans from Victoria lost his life after a trip to Magnolia Beach with his family for the fourth of July celebration. Gary was okay the day after Independence day when he and his wife enjoyed quality time by the sea and sipped on coffee. The trouble started on Saturday when Gary couldn’t walk. He was rushed to the hospital and shifted straight to the ICU where the doctors treated him for vibrio which soon turned to necrotizing fasciitis. On July 8, Gary lost his life at the Citizens Medical Center in Victoria. His wife, Debbie confirmed Gary didn’t enter the water that day and neither did he have any open cuts or wounds for the bacteria to infect and spread so fast. Flesh-Eating Bacteria Invade Waters! Tips to Protect Yourself From Becoming Vibrio Food.

What are Flesh-Eating Bacteria?

There are three types of Necrotizing fasciitis. Necrotizing fasciitis is commonly caused by group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. When bacteria manage to attack the superficial fascia, a layer of tissues underneath the skin. According to Necrotizing fasciitis has been historically reported from almost all parts of the world and is now understood to be caused by either a single organism or more frequently by a variety of microbes — both aerobic and anaerobic.

According to the CDC, 88,000 people are affected by vibrio each year and about 100 lose their lives by the same, across the USA. Vibrio is not easily unidentified and many cases go unreported. The initial stage looks like a bad rash or just tiny red spots. Once this turns to Necrotizing fasciitis, it spreads like wildfire and it gets difficult to stop it. Necrotizing fasciitis is when the bacteria start feeding on the flesh. Many cases have been reported recently, all of which have taken place by the seaside. The bacteria grow and breed in warm and humid places. Due to the rising temperatures, the beaches become a great place for the flesh-eating bacteria to bloom. How to Overcome Social Anxiety? 4 Helpful Tips to Calm You Down.

Symptoms of Flesh-Eating Bacterial Infection or Necrotizing Fasciitis

    • Fatigue

    • Fever and chills

    • Rash on the affected area

    • Red blisters

    • Worsening of rash

    • Painful wounds

    • Black scabs

    • Discolouration on the skin

    • Unconsciousness and unnatural drop in blood pressure

Prevention

  • Don't eat uncooked meat, especially seafood

  • Wash your skin right after coming in contact with seawater

  • Stay out of seawater or brackish water if you have open wounds or cuts

  • Wash wounds, cuts and scrapes thoroughly and use anti-septic solution

  • Use anti-fungal, anti-bacterial agents on your skin

  • Stay away from hot tubs and beaches

The cause of the sudden rise in this bacteria has not been clear yet. Climate change could be one of the reason but where this is coming from is still unknown. It could be approaching a beach near you, too. Try to stay away from beaches or any water bodies that could potentially carry the bacteria if you have open wounds scratches on your skin.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2019 05:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).