Rise in Vibrio Vulnificus Cases Raises Concerns About Infection
Debbie King didn’t think much of it when she scraped her shin while climbing onto her friend’s pontoon boat for a day out on the Gulf of Mexico. But what she thought was a sunburn turned out to be something far more serious.
The cut on her shin, which was red and sore, only worsened in the following days. Her doctor immediately sent her to the emergency room where she was diagnosed with Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially fatal bacterium that kills healthy tissue around wounds. In order to save her life, doctors had to amputate her leg just four days after the initial scrape. After spending four days in intensive care, King faced the reality of life without a leg.
V. vulnificus cases are rare, with about 150 to 200 reported to the CDC each year, resulting in a 20% fatality rate. Majority of cases occur in states along the Gulf of Mexico, but a rise in cases nationally and an expansion of the disease to states further north, such as Connecticut, New York, and North Carolina, are causing concerns. Warmer coastal waters resulting from climate change and an aging population could lead to double the number of infections by 2060.
Temperature plays a significant role in the distribution of Vibrio bacterium. A study warned that the eastern United States has seen an eightfold increase in infections over a 30-year period, with the geographic range of infections shifting north by about 30 miles a year. Coastal communities are particularly at risk. The CDC issued a health advisory to raise awareness among doctors about the bacterium and its potential dangers. Infections can also occur from consuming raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters.
Vibrio vulnificus is part of the Vibrio family, which includes the bacterium that causes cholera. This particular strain thrives in warm brackish waters close to shorelines. It enters the human body through even the tiniest cut when swimming in salty or brackish waters. Once inside, the bacteria release enzymes and toxins that break down the tissue cells, leading to necrosis. Early detection is crucial as the infection spreads rapidly.
Funding for research on Vibrio vulnificus has been limited due to the small number of cases and deaths. However, interest in the bacteria has grown, prompting discussions about new research and potential drugs to combat its destructive effects on human tissue.
Debbie King, now adapting to life with a prosthetic leg, is determined to raise awareness about the dangers of Vibrio vulnificus. She hopes that by sharing her story, more people will learn about the infection and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.
What to Know About Vibrio Vulnificus Infection
- Symptoms: Diarrhea, stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, discharge, fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure, blistering skin lesions.
- Prevention: Avoid swimming or coming into contact with salty or brackish waters. Cook seafood thoroughly before consumption to kill off any bacteria.
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