Case numbers of a terrifying flesh-eating bacteria are feared to double in the next two decades thanks to climate change, according to a new report.
By the time the 2040s roll around, numbers of Vibrio vulnificus will be double that of right now, according to the University of East Anglia in the UK.
Currently around 80,000 Americans are infected with the bacteria each year, although the number is expected to be much higher.
As a result it will be found in every state on the east coast of the United States and rising sea levels could push it further inland.
The bacteria causes watery diarrhea as well as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
A new scientific study said: “Combined with a growing and increasingly elderly population, annual case numbers may double.
“By 2081–2100 V. vulnificus infections may be present in every Eastern USA State under medium-to-high future emissions and warming.
“The projected expansion of V. vulnificus wound infections stresses the need for increased individual and public health awareness in these areas.
“Of particular concern is V. vulnificus infection which can occur from exposure to seawater through small skin lesions and can quickly turn necrotic, requiring urgent surgical tissue removal or limb amputation in around 10% of cases
“V. vulnificus is the most pathogenic of the Vibrio genus: wound infection mortality rates are as high as 18% and fatalities have occurred as soon as 48 hours following exposure.
“Alongside causing around 100 cases annually in the USA, the economic burden of V. vulnificus wound infections is estimated at over US$ 28 million/year.
“Overall annual costs associated with this pathogen are estimated at US$ 320 million, making it the most expensive marine pathogen in the USA to treat.
“Aged populations are more susceptible to V. vulnificus infections and when the projected population aged over 60 is calculated large increases in this age group are observed across all models from 17% at baseline to 31% by 2041–2060, and over 40% by 2081–2100.”
Last year residents attempting to recover from the devastating Hurricane Ian were shocked when they were hit by a spike in cases of the grim flesh-eating infection.
Across Florida, 65 cases of infections from Vibrio vulnificus were detected last year, around double the amount compared to previous years.
Most of these have been in Lee County, the area around the city of Fort Myers where category four Hurricane Ian made landfall.
Residents were seen wading through flood waters to find safety after the storm .
Although usually found in raw or undercooked seafood, the bacteria can also be found in salty or brackish water.
