Florida Teen Undergoes Multiple Surgeries After Vibrio Infection From 1 Scratch at Lions Park
Updated
Updated · WEAR · Jun 8
Florida Teen Undergoes Multiple Surgeries After Vibrio Infection From 1 Scratch at Lions Park
3 articles · Updated · WEAR · Jun 8
Summary
17-year-old Joziah Thompson is fighting for his life after testing positive for Vibrio vulnificus, with his mother saying he still faces multiple surgeries to stop the infection from spreading.
Within 48 hours of playing in Lions Park water, a minor leg scratch turned red, soft and draining, prompting his transfer from a Niceville hospital to Studer Family Children's Hospital in Pensacola.
Doctors said the bacteria can enter through an open wound in warm brackish or saltwater, causing severe skin and soft-tissue infection and, in rare cases, sepsis or deeper damage to bone and muscle.
The CDC reports about 150 to 200 U.S. cases a year; Thompson's mother said officials told her this was the first reported case in their area this year and urged local leaders to post stronger public warnings.