News Summary
A man in Wanchese, North Carolina, is hospitalized due to a severe infection caused by Vibrio vulnificus, following a minor leg injury. The CDC warns of the high mortality rate associated with this flesh-eating bacterium, especially during warmer months. Increased water temperatures are causing a rise in cases, prompting health officials to advocate for preventive measures among those working in coastal waters.
Wanchese, North Carolina – A man is currently hospitalized in Wanchese after developing a life-threatening infection from Vibrio vulnificus, a type of flesh-eating bacteria, following a minor cut on his leg. The patient has been receiving medical care for over a week, and while his condition appears to be improving, medical professionals remain cautious as the situation is still serious.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that approximately 20% of individuals infected with Vibrio vulnificus succumb to the infection, often within a matter of 48 hours. The latest outbreak has drawn attention to the dangers posed by this bacterium, particularly in coastal areas during the warmer months.
According to reports from Marc Mitchem, a friend of the patient and fellow shrimper, there are heightened worries surrounding the potential for similar cases. Mitchem points to other fatalities in the area attributed to Vibrio infections, prompting him and others to adopt preventive measures such as wearing gloves and ensuring frequent sanitization of wounds and hands.
The risk associated with Vibrio vulnificus infections is exacerbated by rising water temperatures. Climate scientists note that warmer coastal waters encourage this bacterium to proliferate, especially when water temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In North Carolina alone, there have been 59 reported Vibrio infections up to the end of July 2025, including one death. Most cases involve the milder Vibrio parahaemolyticus species; however, the rarer Vibrio vulnificus cases, while less frequent, tend to result in severe health implications.
The warm and brackish waters of the Outer Banks, along with the conditions found in nearby estuaries and salt marshes, create an ideal environment for these bacteria to thrive. In the past two years, several fishermen in Dare County have faced serious infections, with two fatalities linked to Vibrio-related complications.
In response to the growing risk, the CDC and local health departments are enhancing public awareness about the dangers of Vibrio and urging individuals working in or near coastal waters to follow recommended safety measures. Cases of Vibrio infections typically surge during the warm months from May to October, coinciding with the rise in water temperatures.
Mitchem recalls the previous deaths of fellow fishermen, reinforcing the urgent need for individuals to take extra care of any wounds sustained while working in marine environments. This situation is further complicated by extreme weather patterns such as heavy rains and heatwaves, which may contribute to the spread of Vibrio bacteria.
Health officials emphasize critical prevention steps, including promptly covering and washing wounds after exposure to brackish or saltwater and cooking shellfish thoroughly to mitigate infection risks. As the community witnesses a surge in infection instances, there is a collective concern regarding the long-term health and safety of local fishermen and families who rely on these waters for their livelihoods.
Without proper precautions, the ongoing threat posed by Vibrio vulnificus in the coastal waters raises significant implications for both public health and the local economy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Health Warnings Issued Amid Rising Vibrio Infections in NC
Man Hospitalized Due to Vibrio vulnificus Infection in Outer Banks
North Carolina Man Hospitalized Due to Vibrio Vulnificus Infection
Health Officials Warn of Rising Vibrio vulnificus Infections in Outer Banks
Outer Banks Man Hospitalized Due to Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infection
Additional Resources
- WRAL: Outer Banks Vibrio Risk Increase
- Wikipedia: Vibrio vulnificus
- WECT: Fisherman Fighting Flesh-Eating Bacteria
- Google Search: Flesh-Eating Bacteria
- NewsBreak: Vibrio Infections Rise in Outer Banks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vibrio
- Pilot Online: Legendary Outer Banks Crabber Dies
- Google News: Vibrio Infections
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
