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CBS America

Man survives flesh-eating bacteria off Florida coast

CBS America · New
CBS America
CBS America
New

Lifelong boat captain George Billiris says he's lucky to be alive after Vibrio vulnificus, the so-called "flesh-eating" bacteria that lurks in warm coastal waters like those along Florida's Gulf Coast, nearly killed him.

Breakdown
  • Florida fisherman George Beliris survived a severe Vibrio vulnificus infection contracted through a small leg scab.
  • Doctors considered amputation, but three weeks of treatment controlled the infection. 41s
  • The CDC reports about one in five people with Vibrio vulnificus die from the infection. 51s
  • Rising ocean temperatures and storms are linked to increased Vibrio cases, with infections now reported further north. 1m 9s
  • The bacteria can also spread through uncooked seafood, and early treatment is critical for survival. 1m 58s
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