A Robertsdale woman has tested positive for Vibrio Vulnificus after she contracted the flesh-eating bacteria from Fairhope Municipal Beach.

Brittany Hallman tells News 5’s Debbie Williams that her tests were positive Friday morning in Baldwin County.  She is no longer in the hospital. 

Baldwin County Public Health Department has confirmed they are working two cases of Vibrio Vulnificus this year, including Hallman’s. One of those cases began Wednesday.

Hallman spoke on News 5 to warn everybody about the dangers that are in the water.

“If I didn’t act fast, I could have very easily lost my foot,” said Hallman. “I was chasing after [a two-year-old] and he touched the water but I was more in the water on my left side and I have a small cut on the back of my foot from a couple of weeks ago.”

“My foot was extremely swollen, double the size that it should be.  It was inflamed red and was burning. It felt like a sunburn but ten times worse.”

A three day stay in the hospital would follow. She is being treated for Vibrio Vulnificus the flesh-eating bacteria that thrive in brackish water.  “This is a mid-port and that is how I was getting my antibiotics.  It is staying in until I see the infectious disease doctor Friday just in case I have to be put on stronger antibiotics.”

The exact name of the bacteria is Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which is different from Vibrio vulnificus.

Vibrio usually shows up in the summer months. It’s a bacteria that is naturally occurring in warmer water. Those exposed to it will see symptoms within 24-72 hours. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, blisters around the wounded areas, swelling, and redness. 

In extreme cases, the affected area needed to be amputated. We have also seen deaths occur from Vibrio.

Experts warn everyone to be on high alert if they plan to get in the water this summer and make sure that all shellfish and oysters are cooked properly.