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A case of Vibrio, a flesh-eating bacterial infection typically linked to exposure to water, has been reported in Alabama, according to the Mobile County Department of Health.
MCHD said the exhibit took place in waters near Gulf Shores. No other patient information is disclosed.
The bacterium known as Vibrio is found in lakes, rivers, along the coast, and other warm, brackish water bodies, especially from May to October. People get infected when they are exposed to water containing Vibrio or by eating raw or undercooked seafood from these areas. Vibrio can lead to destructive soft tissue infections and other illnesses.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are approximately 80,000 Vibrio infections each year, 100 of which are fatal. Alabama has had 16 cases of vibriosis so far this year.
Symptoms of Vibrio include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, chills, fever, shock, skin lesions, and wound infections. Infections can be especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, including people with liver disease or cancer.
To help protect you against Vibrio, the CDC recommends:
- Avoid brackish or salt water if you have a wound (including cuts and scrapes), or cover your wound with a waterproof bandage if there is a possibility that it will come in contact with brackish water or salty.
- Wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and water if they have been exposed to seawater.
- If you develop a skin infection, tell your doctor if your skin has come in contact with brackish or salt water.
- Wear clothes and shoes that can protect you from cuts and scrapes when in brackish or salt water.
What else?
- Cook seafood well, especially oysters.
- Do not eat raw oysters or other raw shellfish.
- Do not eat those shellfish that do not open during cooking.
- Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and raw seafood juices.
- Wear protective gloves when handling raw seafood.
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