In September 2013, during the holidays, news about the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus caught my attention. This bacterium, common in warm marine environments, can be lethal to humans. I remember seeing a report about it on CNN and thinking it sounded like something out of a Discovery Channel program.
Eleven years ago, I fell victim to this bacterium. One day, while enjoying the Caribbean Sea, I contracted a severe infection that nearly cost me my life. The disease progressed rapidly, and soon I found myself struggling to survive against an apparently harmless bacterium.
The experience was terrifying. Doctors struggled to control the infection as my health deteriorated every day. "It was like I was in a nightmare," I remember thinking at that time. Fortunately, modern medicine and the hard work of medical professionals allowed me to overcome the disease.
This episode taught me the importance of being aware of the dangers that can lurk in seemingly safe environments, such as coastal waters. Since then, I have shared my story to raise awareness among others about the risks of certain bacteria present in the marine environment and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for any suspicious symptoms.
