After learning of a fatality in Escambia County, the Florida Department of Health is looking into whether or not the victim contracted Vibrio vulnificus.
No further details concerning the death were made public by public health officials. The patient’s age and location were not disclosed.
Officials are warning locals not to risk infection by exposing exposed wounds to saltwater and estuary water or consuming raw or undercooked oysters and other shellfish.
This bacterium, known as Vibrio vulnificus, is commonly found in warm, brackish waters. In warmer weather, these bacteria tend to multiply more rapidly. Direct contact with seawater or estuary water can expose people with open wounds, scrapes, or scratches to Vibrio vulnificus. Raw or undercooked oysters and shellfish provide a health risk because of Vibrio vulnificus. The bacterium known as Vibrio vulnificus can result in life-threatening illnesses in humans.
Infections with Vibrio vulnificus are usually mild in healthy persons but can be life-threatening for the elderly, young children, and pregnant women.
Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting are all possible symptoms.
Skin breakdown and blistering can be caused by an infection in a wound.
A serious, sometimes fatal sickness characterised by fever, chills, low blood pressure, septic shock, and blistering skin sores can be caused by the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus when it enters the circulation of immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with chronic liver disease.
Those suffering these signs and symptoms should see a doctor right once for evaluation and treatment. Infected wounds are another serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Anti-infective measures
Oysters and other shellfish should be cooked thoroughly in oil, such as by frying, stewing, or roasting, to kill any germs or viruses that may be present.
Do not immerse any cuts, scrapes, or open wounds in saltwater or estuary water.
If you get hurt while out on the water or from eating raw shellfish, make sure to treat the wound right away and watch for indications of infection.###
