Woman Survives Flesh-Eating Bacteria After Florida Beach Swim

A 49-year-old woman nearly lost her leg after swimming at a Florida beach, where she contracted a flesh-eating bacteria. Genevieve Gallagher was enjoying a day at Santa Rosa Sound with her 7-year-old daughter, Mila, when the incident occurred.

Three days after swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, Gallagher experienced severe symptoms including sweating, malaise, and alarming swelling in her leg accompanied by blistering. She was urgently taken to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacterium that can rapidly deteriorate tissue.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Gallagher went into septic shock, leading to organ failure. Fortunately, she survived the ordeal and is now undergoing extensive treatment. Health officials warn beachgoers to be cautious, particularly in warmer waters where the bacteria thrive.

This incident underscores the risks associated with swimming in coastal waters, especially during peak summer months. For more information on similar situations, recent developments in health safety protocols are available.