Flesh-eating bacteria case reported in Connecticut

Added: 2026-04-30

[00:00:00]for you right now at 5:00. Summer, of course, right around the corner. Maybe you're itching to get outside, maybe get a swim in. Uh but you need to know that deadly bacteria has already been found in our state. In fact, in severe cases, it can be flesh-eating. Luke Heiderscheidt is your reporter breaking down what we know.

[00:00:17]State health leaders didn't say exactly where in the state this one case was, but they say it was back in February, and that the person did survive. Health experts across the board say that they're seeing more cases of this further north in the country as water temperatures rise.

[00:00:31]>> It seems to be spreading north.

[00:00:33]Actually, the estimate is possibly at uh several kilometers per year.

[00:00:37]>> Dr. Ulysses Wu is Hartford HealthCare's chief epidemiologist. He knows all about Vibrio vulnificus, a rare bacteria commonly found in water that in extreme cases can be flesh-eating. When it becomes flesh-eating, uh uh surgery is necessary. And unfortunately, sometimes people will lose limbs, not to mention their lives as well.

[00:00:58]>> The bacteria is common down south. It thrives in warmer water. The state health department says a handful of cases are to be expected up here a year.

[00:01:05]Dr. Wu is seeing the numbers rise with climate change. Already this year, New York has found the bacteria. Now, Connecticut, too. Just gross. Gary Anhalt is ready for warmer weather, looking forward to beach days to cool off.

[00:01:18]Or is he? Does it give you second thoughts about swimming in the sound?

[00:01:21]>> Yes. Health experts say that the bacteria is most likely to be in brackish water, that mix of salt and fresh water like this, things like estuaries. If infected, antibiotics can help treat this before it goes too far.

[00:01:32]Things can get worse quickly. State health leaders say avoid swimming with open cuts, and choose carefully when buying shellfish, which can carry the bacteria as well. I tend to limit what I eat in terms of raw seafood to very cold climates.

[00:01:46]>> Diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, all possible if infected. Come swimming season, water in Connecticut is regularly tested to keep folks safe.

[00:01:55]Your reporter, Luke Heiderscheidt, Channel 3 Eyewitness News.