Intensive care clinician Dr. Anamika Ganju recently encountered a troubling trend in her practice: cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacterium, have surged in Queensland. After 25 years of not facing the same, she leaped into action. She saw five older men – all about 80 years old – whose little wounds had become horrible infections. This bacterium, responsible for devastating coral die-offs, is experiencing a scary spread into areas where it was previously uncommon, including the tropical north and the Fraser Coast region. Climate change and the growing prevalence of extreme weather play a role in its spread.
In March 2022, after a clinical patient’s decaying tissue yielded Vibrio vulnificus from its surface, the analysis was expanded. This bacterium loves warm, brackish waters. It is made even more dangerous following flooding events that further inundate our coasts with excessive nutrients. From 1998-2023 Queensland experienced only 86 cases specifically of Vibrio vulnificus. Infections almost quintupled under La Niña conditions, which are growing more frequent as a result of increased carbon emissions—one big irony of climate change.
The Rising Threat of Vibrio vulnificus
This dramatic rise in the incidence of Vibrio vulnificus infections is an important emerging public health threat. Over one out of four patients can die from this infection once it establishes itself. Fortunately, each of the five men on whose cases Dr. Ganju worked survived his fight against the pernicious bacterium. The state of their facilities was horrendous. The bacteria almost immediately began to eat away at their skin, sloughing it off and creating gaping wounds that horrified the attending medical staff.
Dr. Ganju said she was shocked by the intensity of these cases. She explained that this often happens when patients show up with signs and symptoms that conflict with how healthy they look.
“You’re like, ‘Why is this patient so sick? What am I missing? He shouldn’t be so sick… with [the] signs and symptoms I’m seeing, they should start getting better’” – Dr. Anamika Ganju
These mysterious cases led scientists and public health officials to wonder what the heck was going on. Research done by Daniel Bermingham revealed a dangerous link. More frequent flooding disasters associated with climate change over the last quarter century have overlapped with an increase in Vibrio vulnificus infections, as well.
Climate Change and Epidemiological Shifts
That’s why experts have been sounding the alarm about how climate change is dramatically changing the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Professor Allen Cheng said the public health implications of these findings were profound.
“We might expect to see these in subtropical areas as the climate warms” – Professor Allen Cheng
He added that the case report serves as an important reminder to all physicians about the risk of this infection. In doing so, it shows the many ways environmental factors can alter its epidemiology.
A spokesperson from Queensland Health was quick to point out an important link. They noted that climate change is resulting in more frequent flooding events, putting people at greater risk of exposure to Vibrio vulnificus. Finally, they emphasized the need for public education on wound care, particularly following exposure to floodwaters.
“A lot of the data suggests … because there are an increased number of flooding events that are occurring with climate change, this is increasing the [number] of exposures to this bacteria” – Queensland Health spokesperson
National guidelines have since recommended that ciprofloxacin be used to prevent illness in patients exposed to contaminated water in areas such as Hervey Bay. This serves a reminder of the urgent need to address these deteriorating environmental changes.
Public Awareness and Preparedness
Amazingly, incidents of Vibrio vulnificus infections are increasing. In the aftermath of this unprecedented flooding, experts are cautioning the public to steer clear of any waterway post-flooding. Daniel Bermingham provided critical advice for self-care.
“The first aid care that you can provide to yourself … is to get the first aid kit out, give [the wound] a good wash and make sure that you can clean the wound from injury” – Daniel Bermingham
We heard from Rodney Drier, a patient who contracted and recovered from a devastating Vibrio vulnificus infection, about the experience. He described how the infection drastically altered his lifestyle and expressed frustration at those who underestimate the dangers posed by floodwaters.
“You stupid fools, if only you knew” – Rodney Drier
“It ruined my lifestyle … took my life away from me” – Rodney Drier
“Especially when you see people walking in floodwaters in the streets” – Rodney Drier
His reflections make clear that there is a need for greater public education about the health hazards posed by floodwaters.
