Virginia Dad Wades in Calf-High Water, Dies 2 Weeks Later of Flesh-Eating Bacteria That ‘Ravaged’ His Legs 

A Virginia father and pastor passed away less than two weeks after being exposed to the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus while wading in calf-deep water during a family trip.

“Virginia Beach was our absolutely favorite place to go, so it’s just so sad that the best place that we had is where he got sick,” Joyce D’Arcy told 13 News Now. Her husband, Derek Michael D’Arcy, 64, waded calf-high in the water at Virginia Beach — but the vibrio bacteria entered his bloodstream through a cut on his leg, leading to his death just 13 days later.

Vibrio naturally live in coastal waters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most infections occur after eating raw or undercooked shellfish — particularly oysters — because the bacteria can “concentrate” inside them. However, since vibrio is present in brackish water, it can also infect swimmers who have open wounds, as happened with D’Arcy.

The CDC explains that mild vibrio infections may cause “watery diarrhea, often accompanied by stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever.” But bloodstream and wound infections are far more serious, potentially resulting in “dangerously low” blood pressure, skin blisters, and necrotizing fasciitis, commonly known as flesh-eating disease. As the CDC notes, “Doctors may need to amputate a patient’s legs or arms to remove dead or infected tissue.”

Individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as liver disease or cancer, are at higher risk of severe illness, according to the CDC. D’Arcy had been on home dialysis for the past seven years following a battle with cancer, according to a GoFundMe set up to support the family.

His widow said his weakened condition allowed the bacteria to spread rapidly.

“Unfortunately I had to say yes to amputating both legs,” she told 13 News Now. “About 12 hours later, they noticed spots on his chest, on his head, his hand and his back, so we knew we lost the fight.”