Alabama health officials are urging swimmers to be extra careful along the Gulf Coast after a string of infections linked to a flesh-eating bacteria, which can enter the body through cuts and other skin openings.
The Alabama Department of Public Health has reported 16 cases of vibriosis in the state, with one resulting in death.
Here's what to know
According to WSFA, the state warning centers on bacteria that naturally live in coastal waters. The risk increases when someone with an open wound swims in salt or brackish water.
Officials said vibrio bacteria are not a newly arrived threat but a pathogen that already exists in marine environments. During the hottest months, that can become more concerning as more people head into Gulf waters to swim, wade, fish, or boat.
DeJuana Grant, an epidemiologist with the Alabama Department of Public Health, told WSFA the danger is seasonal.
"Vibrio is found in higher numbers in May through October when the water temperature is warmer," Grant said.
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What can be done?
For people with broken skin, the Alabama Department of Public Health said the safest step is to avoid coastal water when possible. That advice applies to major wounds as well as smaller skin openings, including cuts, scrapes, fresh piercings, and new tattoos.
"Cover your wound with a waterproof bandage if it can come in contact with coastal waters," Grant said, per WSFA. "If you have an open wound, the best preventative measure is to stay out of salt and brackish water."
While Alabama has reported a number of new instances, swimmers in other areas along the Gulf Coast should follow the safety guidance to avoid vibriosis infections.
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