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## CNN: Flesh-eating bacteria causes deaths in Connecticut and New York

According to officials, at least three individuals have died in Connecticut and New York after being infected with a rare flesh-eating bacteria. This bacteria can be found in warm, brackish waters or raw shellfish. The victims include two people in Connecticut who contracted Vibrio vulnificus after swimming in separate locations on Long Island Sound, and a third person who ate raw oysters from an out-of-state establishment. All three victims were between 60 and 80 years old.

In addition to these cases, one individual in Long Island has also been found to have the bacteria, but further investigation is required to determine whether they encountered it in New York waters or elsewhere.

Vibrio vulnificus is from the same family as the bacteria that causes cholera. Mild cases of the bacterial infection can cause skin wounds, blisters, abscesses, and ulcers. Symptoms typically include chills, fever, diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. In severe cases, septicemia can develop, which is more common in individuals with underlying health conditions such as liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, or other immune-suppressing diseases.

It is important for individuals with open wounds, recent piercings, or new tattoos to avoid exposing their skin to warm seawater in coastal areas. If exposure cannot be avoided, the area should be covered with a waterproof bandage. Seeking prompt treatment for skin infections is essential after potential exposure to the bacteria.

Vibrio vulnificus causes an estimated 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths in the United States each year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Connecticut and New York officials are advising people to take precautions before consuming raw oysters or being exposed to salty or brackish water. Dr. Manisha Juthani, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, emphasized the potential risks during the hottest months when bacteria are more likely to contaminate raw shellfish.

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York echoed these sentiments, urging all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and take responsible precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones. This includes safeguarding open wounds from seawater and avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish, which may carry the bacteria.

Connecticut actively monitors vibrio levels in oyster harvest areas during the summer and has implemented requirements for oyster harvesting since 2014. These measures include shading oysters while on a vessel and in high-risk areas and placing harvested oysters in an ice slurry to lower the internal temperature within three hours of harvest.

Given the complexity of legal terminologies in public health and environmental regulations, which can make it challenging for the general public to understand the potential risks and necessary precautions, the AI legalese decoder can play a crucial role. This AI-powered tool can analyze and simplify legal language used in health and safety guidelines, making the information more accessible and comprehensible to individuals. It can aid in raising awareness about the flesh-eating bacteria and equip people with the knowledge needed to protect themselves in coastal environments and when consuming shellfish.

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