2023-09-13 21:50:19
Cases of vibriosis, a rare deadly infection linked to oysters, are worrying health experts as the temperature of the water, where the bacteria thrives, rises.
On September 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory regarding serious Vibrio vulnificus infections associated with warm waters.
Vibrio, the bacteria that causes the deadly infection, thrives in warm salty or brackish waters, which can be found in estuaries, bays, lakes and ponds.
Between the months of July and August of this year, the US experienced record-breaking high temperatures, fueling warm waters. During the same period, several East Coast states, including Connecticut, New York and North Carolina, reported serious and fatal vibriosis infections, according to the CDC.
In August, one person in New York and two in Connecticut died from vibriosis associated with wound infections or eating raw oysters.
A 2023 report from the CDC Foodborne Illness Active Surveillance Network found that the number of reported vibriosis cases increased in 2022, compared to 2016 to 2018.
WHAT IS VIBRIOSIS?
According to the CDC, Vibrio bacteria live naturally in coastal waters and are most common during the warm months between May and October. The most common way to contract the bacteria is by eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters.
Some species of vibrio can cause rashes or skin infections when exposed to salt or brackish water (mixture of fresh and salt water). According to the CDC, people with chronic liver disease are most at risk for infection with this bacteria.
According to the CDC, about 80,000 cases are detected each year in the United States, and more than half are a result of eating contaminated food. Vibriosis is responsible for about 100 deaths a year, according to the CDC.
SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT
Although most people who contract vibriosis recover in about three days with no long-term effects, a small percentage of those who contract it require intensive care or even amputation, the CDC states.
The New York Department of Health says the bacteria can cause skin breaks and ulcers, and notes that healthcare professionals should consider vibriosis when diagnosing wound infections or sepsis of unknown origin.
For people who get vibriosis from eating contaminated food, symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and chills, according to the state health department. Exposure can also cause ear infections.
HOW COMMON ARE VIBRIOS INFECTIONS?
Vibriosis (all vibrio species) causes about 80,000 illnesses and about 100 deaths each year in the United States, according to the CDC. About 52,000 of them are due to eating contaminated foods, including oysters.
Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which often causes diarrhea, is responsible for the majority of vibrio infections (about 40%) in the US, according to the CDC. Vibrio vulnificus infections are much less common, with around 150-200 infections recorded each year.
Unlike other vibrio species, vibrio vulnificus is primarily transmitted through contact of open wounds with contaminated water. According to the CDC, only 10% of cases are due to eating raw or undercooked seafood.
HOW TO AVOID GETTING INFECTION:
According to the CDC, there are several measures that can reduce the risk of contracting vibriosis. These include:
According to the CDC, there are several measures that can reduce the risk of contracting vibriosis. These include: Avoid all contact with sea or brackish water if you have an open wound or skin break, including new tattoos, piercings, and incisions from recent surgeries. Cover all wounds with waterproof bandages if there is a chance they will come into contact with sea or brackish water. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice a wound becoming infected, especially after exposure to coastal waters. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling raw seafood or other seafood. Cook all shellfish, including oysters, until they reach an internal temperature high enough to kill bacteria (145 degrees Fahrenheit).
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