"The overall mortality rate of V. vulnificus infections is about 35 percent. But for anyone infected who also has an immunocompromising condition or a liver condition, mortality reaches 50-60 percent."
"The abundance and geographic range of V. vulnificus is projected to increase owing to factors related to climate change, including rising water temperatures, storm surges, salinity changes, and algal blooms."
"Between 1998 and 2018, US cases of V. vulnificus increased eightfold, including expanding into areas where the bacteria is considered rare, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine."
V. vulnificus bacteria possess various toxins that enable them to hijack cells and cause severe damage. The overall mortality rate for infections is about 35%, rising to 50-60% for those with immunocompromising or liver conditions. Delayed treatment can lead to 100% mortality. A case study showed a patient required amputation and skin grafting but healed well after treatment. The threat from V. vulnificus is growing due to climate change, with cases in the US increasing eightfold from 1998 to 2018, prompting public health concerns.
Read at Ars Technica
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]