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So-called flesh-eating bacteria have been found at one of the United States’ most luxurious resorts – but experts say beachgoers should be careful and take care rather than panic.
East Hampton and Sagaponac on the South Fork of Long Island are special places where wealthy dignitaries, celebrities and old-money families retreat. However, there is often an unwanted guest.
The bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, occurs naturally in coastal waters and is most common in warm, salty areas where fresh and salt water meet.
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It was more common in the Southern states, but scientists have tracked it farther north as water temperatures rise.
Christopher Gobler, a Stony Brook University professor whose recent research has prompted new warnings about Long Island’s summer water, told Fox News Digital that the bacteria pose a greater risk if they enter the body through an open wound.
A “carnivorous” virus has been found in the water at one of the luxury resorts in the United States. Experts say residents and visitors should not panic. (Bing Guan/Bloomberg)
“Meat needs a way to enter the body, which is usually an open and unprotected wound,” Gobler said. “People with ulcers should be covered and protected.”
Gobler said the creature is naturally occurring in marine waters and is not new to New York or Long Island.
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The bacteria have been gaining attention after Gobler’s research found them in parts of the Hamptons and other Long Island waters, including lakes and bays near the region’s prime real estate.
Sagaponack ranks among the three most expensive zip codes in the United States, according to PropertyShark Real Estate’s annual report.
Experts emphasize that dangerous diseases are rare. Visitors to East Hampton, pictured above, should be careful, but most travelers don’t need to avoid the water. (Stock)
Despite this alarming nickname, experts emphasize that dangerous diseases are rare.
Exposure does not mean that a person may become ill.
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Peter Topping, executive director and baykeeper for Peconic Baykeeper, a non-profit environmental organization, told Fox News Digital that Vibrio vulnificus has led to very few illnesses.
“This virus has been living in Long Island waters for years and there have been very few cases of illness,” said Topping. “This is despite the millions of Long Islanders who enjoy our water every year.”
Experts say the sea is not the biggest concern. Warm salt water after heavy rain or during heat waves is a major problem. (Stock)
If an infection occurs, it can go away quickly. Symptoms can include swelling and redness around the wound, experts say.
“It causes infections in the skin that has open sores, so if it gets into those sores it can become inflamed and red, and it will spread around the sore and beyond,” said Gobler.
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Bacteria can be fatal in some cases, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
“Vibrio vulnificus infections are rare, but any suspected infection should be taken seriously,” Topping said, citing CDC data showing that about 20% of infections can be fatal.
Experts say Long Island’s beaches are among the cleanest and ranked highest in the nation. (Stock)
Still, both experts say residents and visitors shouldn’t avoid Long Island beaches this summer.
“Not really,” said Gobler. “Our water is precious to be enjoyed.”
Gobler said Long Island’s beaches are among the cleanest and ranked highest in the nation.
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Topping, who is based in Hampton Bays, agreed that most beachgoers face little risk.
“Long Island has some of the best beaches in the world and most of them are safe for recreation,” Topping said.
“People are at great risk of water coming out,” he said.
East Hampton is known for its history, tree-lined streets and prestigious stores such as Chanel and Ralph Lauren, pictured above. (Bing Guan/Bloomberg)
Topping urged the public to avoid swimming in areas prone to high currents after recent rain.
He also said that recent surgery or a new tattoo “could be a potential source of infection.”
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The concern has put pressure on local shellfish workers, who worry that the shocking headlines could hurt business, Vanity Fair reports.
Experts say most healthy beachgoers can still enjoy Long Island’s waters — as long as they avoid areas prone to runoff after rain and keep open sores covered.
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“Personally, I’m looking forward to a long, warm summer of open water swimming on Long Island,” Gobler said.
