According to the state’s public health department, one patient was diagnosed with a relatively rare Vibrio vulnificus infection in August and one in July.
That infection leads to a serious illness that could result in hospitalization or amputation, the department said.
“The identification of these five cases in two months is very relevant,” said Dr. Matthew Carter, state pathologist at the Department of Health. “This suggests that Vibrio bacteria may be present in or near Long Island Sound or in salt water, and people should be careful.”
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Between 2010 and 2019, seven such infections were reported in Connecticut.
Reports have been received this summer that include adults aged 49 and 85 from Fairfield, Middlesex and New Haven counties.
All cases involved people who had pre-existing wounds or were surviving a wound and then found salt or tonsil water while boating, swimming or eating garbage.
The department urged anyone approaching the sound to cover any wounds, recent piercings or new tattoos with a waterproof bandage and wash thoroughly with soap.
Also read: 2 killed, 6 injured in Camp F-Campus shooting near Rutgers University in New Brunswick
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