6 Things To Know About Vibrio Bacteria And ‘Flesh-Eating’ Disease In The US

Vibrio Vulnificus is one of many species of Vibrio bacteria that can cause human illness. Vibrio vulnificus causes only about 205 infections in the US each year. Though rare, it is still significant. Most people can get a Vibrio infection from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. If Vibrio vulnificus is exposed to open wounds, it can cause severe, life-threatening illness and can lead to limb amputations or even death. In rare cases, the infections can cause Necrotizing fasciitis, commonly referred to as 'flesh-eating' disease.