Stay Safe from Vibrio vulnificus, the Flesh-Eating Bacteria

Vibrio vulnificus is a type of bacteria that can cause a deadly infection called vibriosis. It lives in warm, salty water, such as coastal areas and estuaries. You can get infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, or by exposing an open wound to seawater.

Vibriosis can cause serious symptoms, such as fever, diarrhea, skin blisters, and low blood pressure. It can also destroy the soft tissue around the wound, a condition known as necrotizing fasciitis or “flesh-eating” bacteria.

Vibrio vulnificus infections can be fatal if not treated quickly and properly. About 20% of people who get infected die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill. People with certain health problems, such as liver disease, diabetes, cancer, HIV, or alcoholism, are more likely to get severe complications from vibriosis.

How to Prevent Vibrio vulnificus Infections

You can prevent Vibrio vulnificus infections by following these simple steps:

Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish. Cook shellfish thoroughly before eating them. The CDC recommends boiling shucked oysters for at least three minutes or frying them in oil at 375°F for at least 10 minutes.
Avoid swimming or wading in warm seawater with open wounds. If you do get a cut or scrape while in the water, wash it well with soap and water and cover it with a waterproof bandage. Seek medical help if you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or pus.
Keep seafood cold and fresh. Refrigerate seafood as soon as possible after buying or cooking it. Keep it at 40°F or below until you are ready to eat it. Throw away any seafood that has a bad smell or look.
Check water quality before going to the beach. Avoid swimming in areas that have high levels of bacteria or pollution. Follow any advisories or warnings posted by local authorities.

How to Treat Vibrio vulnificus Infections

If you think you have a Vibrio vulnificus infection, go to the emergency room right away and tell your doctor about your exposure to seawater or shellfish. Do not try to treat yourself at home or delay treatment.

Vibrio vulnificus infections require antibiotics and sometimes surgery to remove dead tissue and prevent further damage. The treatment may include:

Antibiotics to kill the bacteria and stop them from spreading.
Fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration and shock.
Pain relievers to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
Wound care to clean and dress the affected area and prevent secondary infections.
Surgery to remove dead or infected tissue and restore blood flow.
Skin grafts to cover large wounds and promote healing.

The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of recovery. However, some people may still have long-term complications from vibriosis, such as:

Amputation of limbs or digits.
Scarring or disfigurement of skin.
Impaired function of organs or systems.
Chronic pain or nerve damage.
Psychological trauma or stress.

What’s New About Vibrio vulnificus?

Vibrio vulnificus is not a new bacterium, but it has been getting more attention lately because of several factors:

Climate change: As global temperatures rise, so do sea surface temperatures in many regions. This creates favorable conditions for Vibrio vulnificus to grow and multiply in warmer waters.
Migration: As Vibrio vulnificus expands its range, it reaches new areas where people may not be aware of the risk or how to prevent it. For example, infections have increased eight-fold along the East Coast of the US from 1988 to 2018, and cases have been reported as far north as Canada.
Awareness: As more cases of vibriosis are reported and publicized, more people become aware of the bacteria and its potential dangers. This may lead to more people seeking medical help and getting diagnosed, as well as more research and prevention efforts.

The CDC has issued a national alert warning healthcare professional to watch out for Vibrio vulnificus infections and to report any suspected cases to their local health departments. The agency also provides updated information and resources on its website for the public and healthcare providers.

Conclusion

Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that can cause a deadly infection. It lives in warm, salty water. You can get it by eating raw shellfish or by getting a wound in seawater. The infection can cause fever, diarrhea, skin blisters, and flesh-eating disease. It can kill you if not treated fast and well. You can prevent it by cooking shellfish well, avoiding seawater with wounds, keeping seafood cold and fresh, and checking water quality before swimming. Vibrio vulnificus is getting more common because of climate change and migration. The CDC warns people and doctors to be aware and report cases. Vibrio vulnificus is a serious threat, but you can avoid it and treat it with proper care.

FAQs

Q: How common is Vibrio vulnificus infection?
A: Vibrio vulnificus infection is rare, but it is becoming more common. The CDC estimates that about 205 people get infected each year in the US, and about 41 of them die. The number of cases has increased eight-fold along the East Coast of the US from 1988 to 2018.
Q: How do I know if I have Vibrio vulnificus infection?
A: If you have eaten raw or undercooked shellfish or have been in warm seawater with an open wound, you may have Vibrio vulnificus infection. You may have symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin redness or rash, fluid-filled blisters, low blood pressure, confusion, or fast heart rate. If you have any of these symptoms, go to the emergency room right away and tell your doctor about your exposure.
Q: How long does it take for Vibrio vulnificus infection to show symptoms?
A: Vibrio vulnificus infection can show symptoms within a few hours or up to five days after exposure. The average time is about 15 hours for wound infections and 28 hours for foodborne infections.
Q: How long does it take for Vibrio vulnificus infection to heal?
A: Vibrio vulnificus infection can take from a few days to several weeks to heal, depending on the type and severity of the infection. Some people may need surgery or skin grafts to repair the damage caused by the bacteria. Some people may have long-term complications or disabilities from the infection.
Q: Can I get Vibrio vulnificus infection from other sources besides shellfish and seawater?
A: Vibrio vulnificus infection is mainly caused by eating raw or undercooked shellfish or by exposing an open wound to seawater. However, there have been rare cases of people getting infected from other sources, such as contact with fish or marine animals, aquarium water, or seaweed.