A fireman in my neighborhood (SW Florida) and his wife spent about 24
hours floating in Charlotte Harbour last year after their boat capsized.
Now both are reported to be infected with a bacteria called pseudomonas
aeriginosa. The bacteria is reportedly "eating away at their bones",
resulting in a broken back for the wife and a body brace for the
fireman. No information has been forthcoming from local medical
officials regarding the potential for infection of this type as a result
of swimming or eating local seafood, but this is obviously a rare
infection, as there are more watercraft in this area than there are in
many states.
If anyone has any information regarding this bacteria and it's propensity
for infecting humans, a reply would be greatly appreciated.
H Cliff Harrison ViroGroup, Inc.
Hydrogeologist Cape Coral, FL
charriso at chuma.cas.usf.edu
