Naegleria fowleri infections are extremely rare, infecting fewer than 10 people annually in the U.S., though they are almost always fatal.
Naegleria fowleri infections are extremely rare, infecting fewer than 10 people annually in the U.S., though they are almost always fatal.Open
Ben West contracted the flesh-eating bacteria known as Vibrio vulnificus during a fishing trip in Florida last year. After months of surgeries on his leg, he is set to have it amputated this week in attempt to improve his quality of life. He and his wife, Janie, join "Elizabeth Vargas Reports" to share how the infection has changed their lives. Anchor Elizabeth Vargas delivers the biggest stories, without bias or opinion. Watch "Elizabeth Vargas Reports" every weeknight at 7p/6C on NewsNation. #VargasReports NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans.
"We were very fortunate," West said, explaining that his doctor had encountered cases of flesh-eating bacteria before.
| Channel | t.me/News_Wire |
| Source | https://www.newsnationnow.com/health/flesh-eating-bacteria-survivor-ben-west/ |
| Keywords | flesh-eating-bacteriaben-westsurvivalhealthmedical-newsinfectionrecoverynewsnationnow |
by Diana Zapata • News Writer /Editorial Specialist Published August 14, 2026 A potentially dangerous bacterial threat is drawing renewed attention along the U.S. Gulf Coast as health officials report cases of Vibrio vulnificus, commonly [...]
Infectious disease expert Dr. William Schaffner warns that Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially deadly bacteria found in warm brackish water, is appearing farther up the East Coast. Schaffner joined "Elizabeth Vargas Reports" to explain how infections occur through cuts and wounds, who faces the highest risk and the warning signs that should prompt immediate medical attention. Anchor Elizabeth Vargas delivers the biggest stories, without bias or opinion. Watch "Elizabeth Vargas Reports" every weeknight at 7p/6C on NewsNation. #VargasReports NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans.
The bacterium has already reached as far north as Massachusetts as global warming expands its range.
Infectious disease expert Dr. William Schaffner warns that Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially deadly bacteria found in warm brackish water, is appearing farther up the East Coast.
Around 20% of people diagnosed with a Vibrio vulnificus infection will die, and many will require intensive care or limb amputations.
Experts say the bacteria is usually found in warm, coastal waters, and can cause serious, potentially life-threatening infections when contaminated seawater enters an open wound, according to the CDC.
Symptoms of the illness include gastrointestinal illness, wound infection, or blood poisoning, according to health officials. In some cases, the bacteria can cause "severe and life-threatening infections." In some of these cases of severe infection, limbs need to be amputated.