United States: Global warming, which causes climate change, is a serious concern among experts as it poses a threat to life on Earth. A recent study has unveiled that global warming could become a reason behind the spread of flesh-eating bacteria along the north-eastern coast of the United States.
The study was published virtually in the journal Scientific Reports.
The bacteria, named Vibrio vulnificus, can infect a person via cut or insect bite during contact with seawater.
What exactly is Vibrio vulnificus?
The bacteria is largely found in the warm waters of Philadelphia, but it has been spreading further as the temperature of ocean water increases.
While expressing concerns, the investigators mentioned that it is expected that by 2041 and 2060, the infection may spread into the waters of New York City.
The above study was led by a postgraduate researcher at the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England – Elizabeth Archer. While elaborating on the spread of the virus, she said, “Climate change is likely to lead to Vibrio vulnificus wound infections being found in more northern states along the US East Coast. Case numbers of these serious and potentially fatal infections will increase,” as per HealthDay.
She furthermore mentioned that increased awareness related to V vulnificus is very important for healthcare professionals and those who take part in coastal activities.
Archer was further quoted saying, “This is especially the case in Northeast states where infections are currently rare or do not occur,” as per HealthDay.
“It is very important that any suspected Vibrio vulnificus infections receive medical attention quickly, as cases can become severe very quickly. Although the number of cases in the US is small, someone infected with Vibrio vulnificus has a one-in-five chance of dying,” she added.
While sharing the harms caused by the infection, the researcher mentioned that people have survived the infection but at the cost of an arm or leg “which often has to be amputated.”
The team led by Archer has predicted that the infection will spread in the north direction, but the major driver will be the degree of warming, she emphasized. Archer and her team elaborated that if global warming is restricted, then the infection may only extend to Connecticut, but if not, then it could spread to each and every state on the East Coast.
Furthermore, she predicted that as many as 140 to 200 people may catch infection each year by the end of the current century. Archer also added that between 1988 and 2018, the world registered an increase in V vulnificus cases, which increased from just ten (10) per year to 80 per year.
HealthDay also quoted Archer saying, “During this time, infections were reported further north along the coastline each year. In the late 1980s, cases were rare north of Georgia, but today they can be found as far north as Philadelphia.”
“Our models indicate that this northward movement along the East Coast will continue with sustained warming of the climate. By the middle of this century, the number of Vibrio vulnificus wound infections could double,” she further said.
Does any other factor act as a catalyst for the spread of V vulnificus?
Chair of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences and director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Center for Oceans and Human Health and Climate Change Interactions at the University of South Carolina in Columbia – Geoffrey Scott mentioned that besides the rising water temperature, the spread of V vulnificus is also increased because of the rising water levels. Scott was not included in the study.
While explaining the spread and spreading agents, Scott said, “Increased sea levels with climate change are pushing saltwater farther into their freshwater areas, so there’s a 230% increase in optimum growth conditions for Vibrio bacteria, which means they’re going to be more available to cause illness.”
Are cases increasing presently?
About rising cases, Scott stated that the world has been witnessing an increase in the V vulnificus bacteria cases, but most of the cases are asymptomatic, and people are not aware that they are infected. The fact has been acknowledged by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); however, according to the estimate by the health authority in 2004, the case count was 8,000, and by 2019, the estimate reached up to 80,000.
Further, Scott issued a warning and mentioned that V vulnificus is not just becoming prevalent but also more contiguous because waters have been polluted with nutrients.
Who is at high risk for infection?
The expert mentioned that overweight people suffering from fatty liver disease are at a major risk for infection. He stated, “If you have underlying liver damage, you are much more susceptible to a Vibrio infection.”
Along with this, he mentioned that serious infections are mostly reported among white men. As per Scott, “Most of the illnesses had been associated with consuming raw shellfish.”
Recommendations to stay safe!
Scott shared certain recommendations to follow to stay safe from Vibrio infection. He advised people aged 60 and above to get tested if their liver is damaged. He also outlined that people must not eat shellfish from the water bodies with high levels of Vibrio.
He then elaborated on the types of water and underlined that V vulnificus is a bacteria that survives in saltwater; therefore, lakes and pools are safe. He also mentioned that the waters where salt levels are high, for example, the ocean, are less infected and waters where salt levels are less, for example, in inlets, bays, and sounds, the chances of infection are high as it can be breeding grounds for Vibrio.
Scott mentioned, “We are trying to develop forecasts that warn the public about Vibrio. Climate change is such a big global issue that we’re not going to solve it in any one country. What we can do to protect public health is to prevent exposure.”