Vibrio vulnificus is a kind of bacteria that can be a deadly infection. You can get it from eating undercooked or uncooked shellfish or when a wound gets infected with seawater. Symptoms can get worse fast. They include low blood pressure, fever, and painful blisters. Take emergency treatment if you think you’ve been infected with this infection.

What is Vibrio Vulnificus?

When you eat undercooked or uncooked shellfish, then the bacteria named, vibrio vulnificus can enter your body. It can cause serious illness vibriosis, resulting in sepsis and spreading blisters that ruin tissues. Numerous Vibrio bacterial species can cause infections known as vibriosis. Cholera is brought on by one type, Vibrio cholerae.

If neglected, infections with Vibrio vulnificus can be lethal. If you experience Vibrio vulnificus infection symptoms, visit the emergency hospital right away.

What are the Symptoms of Vibrio Vulnificus?

A person can suddenly experience vibrio vulnificus symptoms, usually fewer than 24 hours after you get infected with the bacteria. They include:

• Chills

• Skin redness or a rash that quickly becomes swollen and painful

• Fluid-filled blisters on your skin that are large, discoloured or painful

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fever

• Diarrhea

• Fainting, dizziness, or weakness (signs of low blood pressure)

• Confusion or altered mental state

• Fast heart rate

What is Vibrio Vulnificus found in?

Officials have confirmed that Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria found in raw shellfish or seawater, has killed one resident of Long Island and two persons in Connecticut this summer.

Where is Flesh-Eating Bacteria found?

Vibrio vulnificus bacteria are usually found in warm water. Humans become affected by flesh-eating bacteria by eating undercooked or raw seafood. 

Who is at Risk of Getting Affected by Vibrio Vulnificus?

People with certain conditions are vulnerable to getting vibrio vulnificus infections if they come in contact with the bacteria. You can also see vibrio skin infection pictures on the internet. Risk factors include:

• Liver diseases, including cirrhosis

• Hemochromatosis

• Chronic kidney (renal) failure

• Diabetes

• Conditions that weaken your immunity

Vibrio vulnificus is more likely to be exposed to those whose jobs or hobbies bring them into contact with uncooked shellfish or the waters they inhabit. Experts don’t know why, but men and those born with the male gender allocated to them are more likely to have a severe infection than women and those born with the gender assigned female to them.

How to Treat Vibrio Vulnificus?

A Vibrio vulnificus infection is treatable with antibiotics, particularly if discovered quickly. Other therapies are used by practitioners to treat situations like shock and prevent the spread of skin infections. They consist of:

• Surgical debridement, in which a doctor removes dead tissue from your wounds

• fluid removal from blisters

• cutting off the afflicted limbs

• an antihypertensive drug, such as norepinephrine (noradrenaline)

• intravenous liquids

• oxygen treatment

How to Prevent Vibrio Vulnificus?

Vibrio vulnificus infection risk can be decreased by following good food handling and wound care procedures, such as:

Eat no seafood that is uncooked or undercooked, especially oysters.

• To prevent contamination, make sure to keep cooked and uncooked shellfish (as well as their liquids) apart.

• After handling or preparing raw shellfish, don’t forget to wash your hands. Gloves can add an additional layer of defence.

• If you have a wound or break in your skin, or if you have had a tattoo, piercing, or surgery, stay away from saltwater and brackish water. If contact is unavoidable, cover any wounds with waterproof clothing.

• If wounds have come into touch with raw shellfish, seawater, or its juices, carefully wash them.

Can Vibrio vulnificus go away on its own?

Waiting for a Vibrio vulnificus infection to clear up on its own is not suggested. It needs to be treated right away by a medical professional with antibiotics, wound cleaning, and occasionally amputation. Rapid death is a possibility. Vibrio infections are treatable if you receive care quickly. Therefore, make sure to get medical help in case you notice any symptoms of vibrio vulnificus.

Conclusion

The blog shares what if a person becomes affected with vibrio vulnificus, what symptoms can be seen with this bacterial infection, and possible treatment and preventive measures to get rid of this problem. Moreover, get the latest updates on blogs related to health and fitness by subscribing to Personal Care N Heal.

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