State health experts speak out about flesh-eating bacteria found along coast

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - Health officials are sounding the alarm about a rise in infections from a dangerous bacteria that can kill in just days.

Health experts say vibrio vulnificus is sometimes called a “flesh-eating” bacteria because it can destroy tissue quickly. It’s already killed several people this year across Florida, Louisiana, and here in North Carolina.

The bacteria thrive in warm, salty, or brackish water and can enter through even the smallest cut. Officials say people with certain health conditions or weakened immune systems are most vulnerable. Symptoms can appear within hours and the infection can lead to sepsis and death if not treated quickly. Other states like Louisiana and Florida are sounding the alarm, and while we saw a death off our coast in the Outer Banks, Car