Up to 200 people in the US report each year vibrio vulnificus Infection to CDC. The agency says one in five cases is fatal, and symptoms may appear within one to two days.
“V. vulnificus Wound infections have short incubation periods and are characterized by necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections. ” CDC To tell many people are infected vibrio vulnificus “Intensive treatment or limb amputation is required,” it said, and some infections can cause so-called necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection that kills the flesh around an open wound.
Friday’s warning urges health care workers to consider the bacteria as a potential source of infected wounds, especially if patients are exposed to warm coastal waters during hot weather. “Extreme weather events such as coastal flooding, hurricanes, and storm surges can push coastal waters inland, endangering people exposed to that water.” vibrio The CDC says it’s a wound infection.
This year, health officials reported at least one death related to the bacteria. new york; 2 in Connecticut; 3 inches north carolina; and at 7 florida.
vibrio vulnificus The disease is primarily transmitted when open wounds come into contact with seawater or brackish water, the CDC said, adding that no human-to-human transmission has been reported. People with underlying medical conditions, such as liver disease, diabetes, or immunocompromised conditions, are at increased risk for wounds. infection.
In about 10 percent of cases, the bacteria is transmitted to people who eat raw or undercooked shellfish.
The bacterium thrives in warm waters and “low-salinity marine environments such as estuaries,” especially from May to October, according to the CDC.
The agency advises people with uncovered wounds or cuts to avoid swimming in saltwater or brackish water. “If you are in the water and get a cut, get out of the water immediately,” it says.
The CDC recommends using waterproof bandages. Other advice to avoid infection includes cooking shellfish before eating and washing your hands with soap after handling raw shellfish.