Within the wake of a number of instances of flesh-eating micro organism in Florida, some individuals could also be questioning what they will do to guard themselves whereas on trip or simply having fun with a day on the native swimming gap this summer time.
There have been 13 confirmed instances and 4 deaths from “vibrio vulnificus,” generally referred to as flesh-eating micro organism, within the Sunshine State this yr, in keeping with state well being officers.
The micro organism is not confined to Florida, nevertheless, and thrives in heat, brackish water alongside the U.S. coastlines,” in keeping with Lyssette Cardona, MD, infectious illness specialist at Cleveland Clinic Florida. Infections can even occur when somebody by chance swallows contaminated water whereas swimming or from consuming shellfish like oysters, clams and mussels.
“Infections with vibrio vulnificus bacteria are common during the months of May through October when the water is warmer,” Cardona mentioned in a information launch. “The tend to thrive and multiply during that time, especially after hurricanes, or if there’s been storms, or any type of flooding.”
So what can individuals do to guard themselves?
Cardona suggests completely cooking uncooked shellfish and avoiding swimming in probably contaminated water, particularly individuals with sure medical situations.
“It is important that if you have any immunocompromising conditions, such as liver disorders, that you avoid contact with contaminated water, avoid swallowing any type of seawater, or brackish water, shower after swimming, and monitor for any alerts that the department of health may place in areas that may be more contaminated,” Cardona suggested.
Individuals who have a minimize or scrape must also be further cautious — a water-resistant bandage over the wound can present an added layer of safety.
In keeping with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), widespread signs of a vibrio an infection embrace watery diarrhea, abdomen cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills.
A vibrio bloodstream an infection is commonly accompanied by fever, chills, dangerously low blood strain and blistering pores and skin lesions, whereas indicators of a vibrio wound an infection embrace fever, redness, ache, swelling, heat, discoloration and discharge.
Anybody experiencing signs of bloodstream or wound infections ought to instantly see a health care provider or go to the emergency room, the CDC advises.
There are an estimated 80,000 U.S. instances of vibriosis every year, with roughly one out of 5 sufferers dying.
