Image by Kim Colton from Pixabay
An uptick in cases of Vibrio in Galveston prompt a Galveston County Health District public health alert. You may want to re-think eating fish caught off the docks of the Galveston sea wall and protect yourself from skin infections.
Here’s what we know about Vibrio in Galveston so far.
According to Galveston County Health District, “recent surveillance has identified an increase in Vibrio-related cases from Galveston Beach.” Most of these reports involve severe wound infections. However, some people have experienced gastrointestinal illnesses from Vibrio parahaemolyticus and cholera-related illnesses from Vibrio cholera strains.
The organization is investigating this cluster of infections to help implement prevention measure to protect beachgoers from additional illnesses.
So far there have been 11 reported cases of Vibrio in Galveston this year. That may not sound like a lot. But compared to the scant two reported last year, it is cause for concern.
Is there an algal bloom contributing to excessive growth of Vibrio bacteria? Is there a new seasonal trend in the area waters?
Investigators are looking into the potential factors that may be causing this uptick in cases related to Vibrio in Galveston waters.
Reports of at least one fatality due to a wound infection have surfaced. The illness occurred as a result of a small “days old scrape” on the patient’s foot. He stepped into the water to retrieve a crab trap and within hours began experiencing pain. These symptoms quickly escalated to fever and blisters all over his body. Within a week, he succumbed to his illness.
Vibrio thrives in brackish water. Water that isn’t quite salty enough to be salt water, but too salty to be fresh water.
But how does that apply to this situation?
“When the weather gets hot and the water gets hot, and then when the rains come and the salinity of the bay and, adjacent ocean decreases a little bit, that’s perfect conditions for this bacteria to grow,” says Dr. Philip Keiser of the Galveston County Health District.
Vibrio bacteria are responsible for two distinct types of infections. These symptoms vary depending on how a person is exposed to the germ. One occurs through ingestion. The other through contact with a wound.
Other factors include the strain of Vibrio bacteria causing the illness.
Vibrio cholera may sound familiar. This is the bad bug responsible for the illness known as “cholera.” Symptoms of cholera include severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
Historically, cholera caused serious illness and death from drinking water contaminated with the pathogen.
The other type of Vibrio bacteria causing intestinal illness is Vibrio parahaemolyticus. This strain of Vibrio bacteria often leads to gastroenteritis. Symptoms often include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
Sometimes called flesh eating bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus can infect wounds. This type of infection can cause serious complication and often becomes life-threatening and sometimes fatal. Particularly in those with a weakened immune system.
When consumed, toxins produced by Vibrio vulnificus can also cause serious and life-threatening intestinal illness.
Vibrio can be found in warm coastal waters all around the world. While these bacteria grow year-round, the warmer water in the summer creates a perfect environment for them to reproduce to concerning populations.
The organization explains that this is a cyclical occurrence, and while serious, residents do not need to panic about Vibrio in Galveston or the surrounding areas.
“While Vibrio bacteria can be present in Galveston waters, there’s no need to panic,” says Dr. Phillip Keiser, the Local Health Authority and CEO of the Galveston County Health District.
“Use common sense,” he says. “Avoid raw seafood, practice good hygiene, and stay informed to keep safe.”
There are, however, some preventative measures you can take to help protect yourself and others from falling victim to Vibrio infections.
Dr. Keiser said it well. A few simple, common-sense actions can help prevent infection.
Regardless of Vibrio risk, raw or undercooked seafood holds a serious health risk. Shellfish, especially from areas with reported Vibrio outbreaks, should never be consumed raw. Yes, this means oysters too.
Though you would likely not be eating oysters collected off of the seawall of Galveston, this is as good of a time as any to deter you from consuming any oyster raw.
I cannot stress how much handwashing can help prevent the spread of illness enough. It is especially important when handling raw food. Whether it is meat or seafood. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Especially after handling raw seafood.
Small cuts, open wounds, or even abrasions on the skin are pathways for Vibrio bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Avoid exposure to sea water if you have an open wound. If it is unavoidable, keep cuts or wounds covered with a watertight bandage to avoid exposure.
Treat this like a matter of life and death. Because it very well could be.
Information is your friend. Pay attention to local health alerts and advisories regarding water quality if you are planning an outing involving sea water. Observe and follow notices about seafood safety, including when not to eat certain shellfish and avoiding raw or undercooked seafood.
If you have been exposed to seawater and begin feeling symptoms consistent with Vibrio infection, seek medical attention right away. Symptoms can progress from bad to worse in a matter of days or even hours. The earlier this infection is treated, the better your odds of recovering without serious complication.
While the months of the calendar are turning their pages, let’s face it. Galveston lives in nearly perpetual Summer. Beaches, dock fishing, and overall merriment at the beach continue to persist.
Does this news impact beachgoers plans?
If you have a compromised or weakened immune system, perhaps you should consult your healthcare provider about your specific situation. Otherwise, “remain vigilant during the summer months” and “follow the recommended preventative measures.”
If you’d like to know more about food safety topics in the news, like “Watch Out for Vibrio in Galveston,” check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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