American man contracts flesh-eating bacteria after walking barefoot on beach

A daily walk on the beach turned into a health problem for Brent Norman, a resident of Charleston, South Carolina. This avid walker, known for his regular walks exceeding 15,000 steps, frequently explores the coastline between Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms. However, during his usual routine last week, a seemingly harmless misstep on a shell, obscured by the reduced visibility of high tide, led to a serious complication.

“As the tides were quite high, I unfortunately stepped on several shells,” he told the local news channel. WCIV. “I grew up on beaches my whole life and have probably stepped on over 10,000 shells.”

In the days that followed, Mr. Norman reported feeling progressive pain originating from his foot. The discomfort quickly intensified, progressing to a sensation he characterized as similar to that of a nail being driven into the affected area.

After weeks of pain and swelling in his foot, “I couldn’t walk anymore,” he said.

By Thursday, Mr. Norman’s leg had become visibly worrisome, prompting him to rush to the emergency room. Upon their arrival, medical staff reacted quickly to remedy the situation.

“Everyone behind the check-in counter had their eyes twice as big as they normally were,” he said. “I could tell people were uncomfortable sitting around me and looking at him.”

After inspecting his foot, doctors gave Mr Norman an explosive diagnosis: his foot was infected with vibriosis – caused by the bacteria vibrio, The independent reported.

“(The nurse) pricked it, removed the debris, and then they gave me an injection of antibiotics and then also some pills that I take for two weeks,” he said.

The outlet reported that Mr. Norman likely contracted the salt-tolerant bacteria by stepping on a shell in the ocean.

Vibrio bacteria can cause a variety of infections, some progressing to necrotizing fasciitis, a serious condition in which the tissue surrounding an open wound dies. Although there are twelve identified species of vibrios, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights only one as of particular concern due to its carnivorous properties.

The public health agency said the bacteria is responsible for “an estimated 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths in the United States each year.”

According to the CDC, most vibrio infections occur when eating raw or undercooked seafood, or by exposing open wounds to seawater. The risk is highest during warm months, usually between May and October.

Despite the harrowing experience, Mr. Norman maintains his love for the beach and plans to return once his foot is fully recovered.