CDC warns health-care professionals about Vibrio vulnificus bacteria

Up to 200 people in the US report each year Vibrio vulnificus Infection with the CDC. The agency said one-fifth of the cases are fatal, and can occur within a day or two of the onset of symptoms.

“V. Barnificus Wound infections have a short latency period and are characterized by necrotic skin and soft tissue infections. ” CDC To tell many people are infected Vibrio vulnificus “Intensive care or limb amputation is required,” he said, adding that some infections cause so-called necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies.

Friday’s warning urged health care workers to consider the bacterium as a possible source of infected wounds, especially if patients were exposed to warm coastal waters during hot weather. “Extreme weather events such as coastal floods, hurricanes and storm surges can push coastal waters inland, endangering people exposed to them.” vibrio According to the CDC, it’s a wound infection.

This year, health officials reported at least one death linked to the germ. new yorktwo in Connecticut; 3 inches north carolinaand at 7 florida.

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Vibrio vulnificus The CDC said it mainly spreads when open wounds come into contact with sea or brackish water, adding that there have been no reports of human-to-human transmission. People with underlying medical conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, and immunocompromised conditions are at increased risk of wounds. infection.

In about 10 percent of cases, people who eat raw or undercooked shellfish are infected with this bacterium.

The bacteria thrive especially in warm waters from May to October and in “low-salinity marine environments such as estuaries,” according to the CDC.

The agency advises people with uncovered wounds and cuts to avoid swimming in salt or brackish water. It says, “If you are in the water and get a cut, get out of the water immediately.”

The CDC recommends using waterproof bandages. Other advice to avoid infection includes cooking shellfish before eating and washing hands with soap after handling raw shellfish.