Backstory: An infectious disease that frightens beachgoers.
It is not clear whether these cases occurring further north than normal are a result of better diagnostics or due to rising ocean temperatures associated with climate change.
This disease is technically called vibriosis and can be caused by infection with several related bacteria. The worst virus is V. vulnificus. This is relatively rare, but can be deadly for weak people. The mortality rate reached 33%, According to one scientific paper.
This bacterium is most commonly spread in two ways.
When swimming in water contaminated with V. vulnificus, cuts and wounds can become entry points for the organism. From there, the infection spreads into so-called cannibal infections, which spread rapidly across wounds and into healthy tissue. It can then spill into the bloodstream and cause a life-threatening condition called sepsis.
The bacterium is also spread by people with weakened immune systems or people with liver disease who eat contaminated raw oysters. Doctors warn patients with these symptoms not to eat raw oysters. Oysters are infected by filtered seawater for food.
Older people are generally at higher risk. All three patients who became ill in Connecticut were over the age of 60. People who take drugs that reduce stomach acid may also be more likely to be infected or develop complications after infection.
Vulnerable people should wear shoes that protect themselves from cuts and scrapes when in salt or brackish waters. Wear protective gloves when handling raw seafood. Avoid swimming in the ocean if you have cuts, scrapes, or other abrasions where bacteria can enter.
A word of caution: Bacteria will occupy the opening.
Vibriasis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, chills, ear infections, and wound infections.
Intestinal problems develop sooner in people who ingest the bacteria, usually by eating raw oysters. Ear and wound infections become red, swollen, and very painful over time. Blisters filled with clear fluid may appear on the skin.
Symptoms usually appear within 12-24 hours after exposure, so you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tell your doctor about your exposure. If left untreated, the infection can spread rapidly.
“If the wound becomes red, swollen and painful, has a discharge, or has redness that extends beyond the edge of the wound, you should see a doctor right away,” Dr. Schaffner says. “Don’t try to force yourself and see if it gets worse tomorrow.”
Laboratory tests are required for diagnosis. Treatment includes antibiotics and supportive care, but surgery may be necessary to clean infected wounds and prevent the spread of infection.
Weekends at the Beach: Vulnerable people should be careful.
If you have recent surgery, piercings, tattoos, or other open wounds, avoid water and consider walking or swimming on the beach. Open wounds are cuts, scrapes, or other abrasions that allow bacteria to enter the body.
Cover open wounds with a waterproof dressing if the wound is likely to come into contact with salt or brackish water, marine life, or raw or undercooked seafood while cooking, swimming, fishing, boating, or walking on the beach. cover with .
If a wound or cut comes in contact with brackish or salt water, or raw seafood or its juices, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If you develop a skin infection, tell your healthcare provider right away. This is an infectious disease that can spread rapidly.
What to do next: Watch out for infections in unexpected places.
Climate change will test us all in unexpected ways. Vibrio infections may be a near-term concern for Americans living in the Northeast.
If you have cancer, have a weakened immune system, have liver disease, or are taking medications that lower stomach acid, eat raw or undercooked oysters and other undercooked or raw oysters. Doctors say you shouldn’t eat enough shellfish. (The same is true for pregnant women, of course.)
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw shellfish.
