Last week, the CDC released a health advisory urging doctors to consider V. vulnificus as a potential cause of infected wounds in individuals who have been in coastal waters. The advisory explains that this bacteria naturally inhabit coastal waters and is primarily transmitted through contact with open wounds. Additionally, consuming raw or undercooked shellfish can lead to infection in 10% of cases.
The CDC has warned that V. vulnificus infections manifest rapidly, causing necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections, often accompanied by hemorrhagic bullae. Many individuals with this type of infection require intensive care or surgical tissue removal.
According to the CDC, the recent heatwave and rising sea surface temperatures have likely contributed to an increase in V. vulnificus infections. Fatal infections have already been reported in New York, Connecticut, and North Carolina.
In light of climate change and the associated extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, flooding, and severe storms, the CDC advises individuals at a higher risk for V. vulnificus infection to exercise caution when engaging in coastal water activities.
Updated at 10:48 a.m. ET
© Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
