Kathy Egan
news@greenepublishing.com
Four people have died and at least seven others have been infected by Vibrio vulnificus, a type of flesh-eating bacteria found in salty or brackish warm water. The four deaths were reported in Bay County, Hillsborough County, Broward County and St Johns County. That means that frolicking in the waters of both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean demands extra caution this summer.
When the thermometer rockets skyward, Florida beaches call out to us, so we pack the cooler and head to our favorite shores to seek relief from the scorching heat. Indeed, our seemingly never-ending coastline is part of what makes Florida famous.
We must all be extra careful, however, because swimming right alongside us is Vibrio vulnificus, one of several types of bacteria that causes necrotizing fasciitis and is commonly referred to as “flesh-eating” bacteria. Not only is this flesh-eating bacteria found in the water, but it can also be found in sediment, plankton and shellfish such as oysters, clams and crabs. If you are one who enjoys slurping down raw oysters, it might be best to forego that treat, as it is possible at least one of this year's deaths resulted from consuming raw oysters.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone can get a “Vibrio infection,” but certain folks are at higher risk and should avoid the likelihood of contamination at all costs. High risk people include:
• Those who have had recent stomach surgery or take acid-reducing medicines.
• Those who have liver disease, HIV, cancer or diabetes.
• Those who are undergoing immune-suppressing treatment.
• Those who have recently gotten tattoos or piercings or have any type of open wound, even a small cut.
The CDC classifies the infections by type and they include general infection, bloodstream infection, and wound infection. General infection symptoms include diarrhea, nausea and/or vomiting, fever, chills and stomach cramps. Bloodstream infection symptoms include fever, chills, blisters/skin lesions and dangerously low blood pressure. Symptoms of wound infections include fever, redness or discoloration at the site of the wound, pain, warmth felt around the wound or discharge from the wound.
If you have consumed shellfish or gone swimming and start having symptoms, it is important that you seek medical help immediately. The sooner treatment happens, the better the results. For mild infections that include diarrhea and vomiting, the traditional treatment of increased hydration is often effective. Severe infections are generally treated with antibiotics, often through IV means. Wound infections require antibiotics and often also require surgery to remove dead or infected tissue. This can even include amputation if the infected wound is on a foot, hand, leg, or arm. Left untreated, a Vibrio infection can result in death.