Vibrio Alert: Beach & Seafood Safety | Birmingham News

Birmingham AL News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 3, 2026 · 1m

Health officials are sounding the alarm as Vibrio vulnificus, a deadly flesh-eating bacteria, spreads from New York to Florida—with Mississippi reporting a severe case. This bacteria thrives in coastal waters and can infect you through raw shellfish or open wounds from swimming. Symptoms strike fast: stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and if it enters your bloodstream, low blood pressure and skin lesions. Wound infections cause redness, swelling, and discharge. About 20% of infected people die. Early antibiotics help, but treatment may involve surgery, blister drainage, or even amputation…