Bonita Fetterman allegedly contracted a wound infection caused by Vibrio bacteria — often referred to as flesh-eating bacteria — while visiting Myrtle Beach, S.C., according to a July 30 Facebook post made by her granddaughter and cited by The Washington Post.
The granddaughter posted a picture of Ms. Fetterman's infected leg and wrote, "[Ms. Fetterman is] now in ICU, heavily sedated and on a breathing machine. However, she is stable! She came in contact with a life [threatening] flesh-eating bacteria after putting her feet in the water at Myrtle Beach!"
As of Tuesday, the post had more than 84,000 shares. The alleged exposure occurred after Ms. Fetterman entered the water with an open cut on her leg, according to The Washington Post.
Myrtle Beach City Government on Monday posted a response to its Facebook page:
"The city has been unable to confirm the location or date of any such incident. At this point, all we have is a Facebook post, with no confirmation. Our ocean water quality is tested twice weekly, with excellent results. If we can determine where such contact may have occurred, we can order additional water quality tests to determine whether any connection exists," said the city government.
Vibrio bacteria are often found in warm coastal waters. While most people become infected by consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, the bacteria can also cause a necrotizing skin infection when introduced to open wounds, which can sometimes result in limb amputation. Those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of infection.
To learn more about Vibrio bacteria, click here.
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