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