The Mobile County Health Department confirmed a fourth infection of Vibrio vulnificus bacteria in the county on Monday.
The first case involved a Mobile County resident who acquired the flesh-eating bacteria in March after consuming raw oysters outside of the state. The second case took place in April and involved an individual who consumed raw oysters in Mobile County. The two most recent cases, which occurred in June, were related to open-wound exposure in Alabama-area waters.
Vibrio vulnificus is one of roughly a dozen Vibrio species that cause the vibriosis illness in humans. Vibriosis symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. The bacteria can cause a necrotizing skin infection when an open wound is exposed to brackish or salty water. Those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of infection.
The health department previously reported three cases of Vibrio on July 7.
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