Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium found in salt water, and
infections from it can lead to amputations and even death.
No doubt this organism receives a lot of attention in the
press when a someone becomes infected by it, making
some ask whether it’s even safe to touch salt water.
The good news is that millions of people are exposed to
this bacteria annually and do not become infected. The
average number of confirmed cases on the Gulf coast each
year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, is 40, with 35 requiring hospitalization and 12
resulting in death. Small numbers in comparison to the
total exposures but not much consolation to those that have
been infected.
Theories relating to increased pollution in the bays as
causes for the infections have been circulated but don’t hold
water. The organism is not related to pollution. It is naturally
occurring and particularly plentiful in the warm summertime
waters along the entire Gulf coast. Test a sample of salt
water for V. vulnificus and you will likely find it present.
The bacteria is more concentrated in places that receive
little tidal flow, such as shallow ponds and lakes connected
to a bay. The bacteria also likes brackish water, where salt
and fresh water mix. What it doesn’t survive in well is salty
water such as that in the Gulf, or bay areas that receive good
tidal flow. That’s not to say it will not be found in these
areas, it just won’t be as concentrated.
V. vulnificus not only enters the body through cuts or
punctures from infected surfaces, raw or inadequately
cooked seafood that it is present on can also cause a
problem. Even healthy people can suffer from
gastroenteritis if they eat seafood contaminated with this
organism. For those with liver disease, it is fatal 50% of the
time.
People in high risk groups, including the elderly, those with
impaired liver function, diabetes, or who use
immunosuppressive drugs or steroids, or who are on
chemo, are particularly susceptible to infection from v.
vulnificus. Since alcohol impairs the liver’s ability to fight
infection, that too should be considered a risk factor,
particularly if consumed while on the water.
The suggested approach to prevent an infection is to
generously clean any wound (A wound includes a rash or
blister, say from waders or shoes.) with hydrogen peroxide
and/or apply an anti-bacterial ointment, such as a triple
antibiotic cream. It’s a very good idea to have these two
items available while on the water so there is no delay in
treatment.
Once in the body and an infection takes hold, the organism
spreads very rapidly and can double in numbers in a matter
of every 20 to 30 minutes. Doctors advise seeking
immediate medical attention if symptoms of a spreading
infection such as expanding redness, fever and pain occur.
If you develop these symptoms that means not waiting until
morning to see if it gets better. That could be too late or at
least make the cure much more prolonged and painful.
The season for V. vulnificus infections begins in earnest
when bay waters start to warm. On the Gulf coast, this
begins in March and will usually peak by mid-October.
Anyone growing up on the Gulf coast probably remembers
being told that saltwater was good for healing open
wounds. Football practice always meant bloody knees and
elbows so it was a good reason to go swimming or
wadefishing at every opportunity. I don’t know if it made any
difference as far as healing went, but I sure wouldn’t try it
anymore.
For more information on V. vulnificus, or other members in
its nasty little family, including cholera, visit the Center for
Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov
Gary Ralston is publisher of Gulf Coast Fisherman
magazine which has been published for saltwater
fishermen since 1976. For great articles and information
about fishing or travel destinations on the Gulf Coast visit
http://gulffishing.com
