(NEXSTAR) – Vibriosis, an illness triggered by various strains of vibrio bacteria, affects around 80,000 individuals annually and is projected to become more prevalent in the upcoming months.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that vibrio bacteria thrive in coastal waters, with their populations increasing significantly starting in May. These bacteria are resilient, surviving in both saltwater and brackish environments, which are mixtures of salt and freshwater.
Infection typically occurs through the consumption of shellfish, particularly oysters, though exposure can also happen if someone with an open wound swims in contaminated waters.
Some cases of vibrio infection can escalate into necrotizing fasciitis, a severe bacterial infection often dubbed the “flesh-eating” disease. Those afflicted with this severe form may require intensive medical intervention or even limb amputation. The disease advances swiftly, and tragically, 20% of those infected may succumb within just one to two days.
Recently, the presence of vibrio has been verified along the East Coast, from Long Island, New York, to Florida. The CDC’s monitoring also highlighted multi-state outbreaks last year, which were traced back to Minnesota and Illinois.
What are the symptoms and how can you protect yourself from vibrio?
People infected with vibrio may have diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. If the infection spreads into the bloodstream, fever and chills are more common, as well as low blood pressure and skin lesions.
If vibrio is infecting an open wound, you may also notice redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration and discharge from the injury.
If you have any of the above symptoms and recently have eaten seafood (especially oysters) or have an open wound that may have come into contact with coastal water, you should contact a doctor. Antibiotics can be used to treat severe cases, an surgery may be needed for an infected wound.
Anyone can get infected with vibrio if exposes, the CDC explains, but being immunocompromised can make the infection more severe.
To avoid getting sick in the first place, the CDC advises avoiding raw or undercooked seafood, and preventing coastal water from getting into any open wounds.