Subject: Dangerous saltwater bacteria called Vibrio Vulnificus
Why am I talking about this now?
Because there have been a significant number of news stories reporting a few deaths in Florida from Vibrio infections. Unfortunately many of the reports seem to be leaving out or de-emphasizing important facts, creating a scare.
What is Vibrio Vulnificus?
Vibrio is a bacteria that thrives in warm brackish water. It flourishes in water that is 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and prefers water that is not too salty. The presence of Vibrio is not correlated with “pollution.” It is a naturally occurring bacteria in healthy marine environments. Therefore, there is no testing to detect levels of Vibrio.
How does a person become infected with Vibrio?
Either by eating raw or undercooked shellfish that is contaminated, or by exposing an open wound to contaminated water. The eating of raw or undercooked oysters is one of the most common ways to become infected.
Who is probably NOT at risk for contracting a Vibrio infection?
Healthy people with a normally functioning immune system. A healthy immune system normally prevents a serious infection from developing.
Who is considered “at-risk” for a serious Vibrio infection?
- People with a history of alcohol abuse who may have alcohol-related liver damage.
- People with AIDS.
- People with cancer or other diseases that are being treated with medicines that suppress the immune system.
- People who are on medications like steroids that suppress the immune system.
- Other diseases that weaken the immune system.
How should “at-risk” individuals alter their behavior?
They should not eat raw or undercooked shellfish and should be very careful not to go into warm brackish water with an open cut, scratch, sore, puncture or burn. Any such injuries occurring while in warm salt water should be immediately cleaned and treated and should be closely monitored by a doctor. Once the bacteria enters the blood stream of a person with a weak immune system, the mortality rate in many cases is about 50%.
Who are the people in Florida that have recently died after contracting a Vibrio infection?
A man infected while crabbing in the Halifax River and two people in the Fort Myers area. The underlying health status of those individuals before the infection is not publicly known. Not everyone who has a compromised immune system is aware of it.
Vibrio Information Resources for inquiring minds:
http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/vibriov/
http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/HealthEducators/ucm085365.htm
