What's known about the rare flesh-eating bacteria that's killed 3 [View all]

At least three people have died after contracting infections from a rare flesh-eating bacteria that can be caused by eating raw seafood such as oysters or swimming in warm saltwater, New York and Connecticut health officials said Wednesday.

Experts are urging residents to take “critical” precautions to avoid Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but dangerous flesh-eating bacteria, after the recent cases. Officials suggest protecting open wounds from seawater and avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2023/08/17/flesh-eating-bacteria-new-york-connecticut/

Flesh-eating - or necrotizing fascitis - is rare, and is most often caused by Group A Streptococcus, the bacteria known for causing toxic shock syndrome. This new outbreak is instead caused by Vibrio bacteria, found in seawater and uncooked shellfish.