The Louisiana Department of Health issued its warning about the bacteria—Vibrio vulnificus—on July 30. At that point, 17 cases had been confirmed in the state. Every one of those 17 people required hospitalization, and tragically, four of them passed away.
Florida has also reported concerning numbers. As of July 24, officials there had recorded 13 cases of the infection and four additional deaths.
They stated: “During the same time period over the previous 10 years, an average of seven Vibrio vulnificus cases and one death were reported each year.”
What is Vibrio vulnificus?
As explained in the department’s announcement, the term Vibrio generally refers to a group of bacteria responsible for an estimated 80,000 illnesses every year across the United States.
This type of bacteria tends to grow in warm water that is low in salt, like coastal or brackish environments. Out of the various Vibrio species, V. vulnificus is especially dangerous because it can cause life-threatening infections in some people.
Most often, people become infected through open wounds that come into contact with saltwater or brackish water. In around 10 percent of cases, the infection can also be caused by eating raw or undercooked shellfish like oysters.
In Louisiana’s 17 reported cases, about 75 percent involved people who had exposed wounds that came into contact with seawater.
What are the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infections?
If someone becomes infected with this bacteria, the Louisiana Department of Health warns that it can cause a necrotizing infection, where skin and soft tissue begin to die.
The infection may also cause hemorrhagic bullae—large, painful blisters filled with blood—that appear on the skin.
The Cleveland Clinic adds that additional symptoms may include fever, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and extremely painful blisters.
How are Vibrio vulnificus infections treated?
For healthcare providers, the Louisiana Department of Health strongly recommends beginning antibiotic treatment early and performing surgery as soon as necessary.
Doctors are also advised to keep a close eye on any wounds. If there is dead or infected skin, it should be removed promptly to stop the infection from spreading.
The Cleveland Clinic reinforces this advice, stating: “You shouldn’t wait for a Vibrio vulnificus infection to go away on its own.”
How can you avoid Vibrio vulnificus?
To lower your chances of catching the infection, Florida Health advises people not to go into the water if they have any fresh cuts, wounds, or scrapes on their skin.
They also recommend that people with weakened immune systems wear protective footwear when walking on the beach. This helps prevent accidental injuries from sharp objects like rocks or seashells.
