What is the deal with the flesh eating bacteria? (Sarasota: 2014, hotel)

[formerPA]

My family had reservations for Siesta Key but after seeing the news report we canceled. Don't want to pay all the money to be near the beach and not be able to go into the water.

[nphomeowner]

From what I have read and seen on the news it's a naturally occurring bacteria that grows in the warm waters. People with compromised immune systems need to be extra careful. The bacteria can enter the body through any open wound so anyone with a cut shouldn't go In the water. They are also warning against eating raw oysters and such as they can also carry the bacteria. I believe this is something that occurs frequently when the waters get as warm as they are now.

There is also a very large red tide bloom that hasn't affected the beaches yet, it's unrelated to the bacteria.

[Cardiff by the Sea]

The article in today's Herald Tribune quotes the epidemiologist for Sarasota County as saying that the bacteria levels are no higher than normal.

Of the 11 cases reported state wide in 2014, there were 2 individuals from Sarasota who had medically compromising conditions.

Healthy people have no special risk. You should not get in the water if you have an open wound, or a medical condition that causes your immune system to be compromised like liver disease, diabetes, cancer, etc.

You are only at risk if you have those compromising factors. If you don't have those issues, you may get a sore that heals, especially if you take antibiotics early.

You don't get it from swallowing water either. Stay away from raw oysters though.

Anyway, that is what the paper says.


The waters here seem much healthier than in CA. And the water in CA is really cold. Surfers in San Diego have rashes all the time that they get from the bacteria from the waste run off. Nasty.

[formerPA]

I am disabled with a low immune system so I don't want to chance it. I explained it to the hotel and they told me they will refund my money.

[ILoveLidoBeach]

Well I hate to break it to you but you better plan your vacation in Arizona. Vibrio vulnificus is found in ALL coastal waters in the US and even in brackish water (part salt part fresh) and it is found world wide. So this is not exclusive to Florida at all. It's even found in Hawaii so scratch that off your vacay list as well.

People get sick from eating raw oysters (or other contaminated sea food) or have an open cut or scrape that and then go into the water

People who have a compromised immune system are the ones who are most at risk. So any auto-immune diseases or even if the person has had the flu, cold,etc. they should stay out of the water. Other than that it is OK to enjoy the water. So since you say you have a weak immune system, then it would not be a good idea for you. BUT with that said, that means ALL water anywhere in the world.

FYI all oceans have streptococcus, MRSA, enterococci,etc. If you knew what was in the ocean as well as lakes, you would be shocked. But then that will leave you vacationing in your bathtub. I guess you should plan your vacation in some great spot that has a pool.

[Florida or Bust....]

Not for nothing, I don't think anyone who knows/hears about this flesh eating bacteria will be going swimming at these Sarasota beaches. Especially if more people are getting infected or dying. Anyone on the Sarasota-Bradenton forum or surrounding areas willing to take the chance?

[ILoveLidoBeach]

We go to the beach all the time. Well, at least a couple times a week. The name "flesh eating bacteria" is a name the media came up with to sensationalize it. We are divers/boaters so we would never stay away. I've been in the ocean since I was a wee one and I sure wouldn't stop now.

I did stop eating raw oysters.

[coastal chic]

Leave it to the media to create mass hysteria over two cases. It is infuriating to me. Yes, we are going to the beach this weekend, and yes we will be going swimming. This has been going on for years.

[motordavid]

Agree...better chance to get hit by lightning, imo.
Or, a car crash, or...
GL, mD

[gypsychic]

I went to the beach twice last week and got in the water and I am fine. And I have Type 2 diabetes. Think I will go again to the beach tomorrow.