Rare, flesh-eating bacteria on the rise in U.S. waters. Will it reach Canada? – GLOBAL

March 29, 2023

A rare and fatal flesh-eating bacteria is slowly creeping up the eastern U.S. coast, and some experts warn that it could eventually find its way into Canada if climate change continues to heat our oceans and lakes.

The bacteria Vibrio vulnificus is usually found in subtropical regions, like the Gulf Coast (in states like Florida and Texas), which is home to warm waters with low salt content. But a recent study published on March 23 in the Scientific Reports journal said that over the last few decades, there has been an increase in the bacteria in northern locations near New Jersey and Delaware.

The study found that Vibrio vulnificus is expanding northward around 48 kilometres a year.

“Vibrio vulnificus is considered the most deadly of the vibrio pathogens. You just need a tiny cut on the skin or even an insect bite and this can become infected through exposure to the bacteria in seawater,” lead study author Elizabeth Archer told Global News.

Read more: https://globalnews.ca/news/9583686/flesh-eating-bacteria-canada-water/