2023-08-20 09:29:07
Tampa Bay – Killer germs have claimed the lives of five people on Florida’s beautiful west coast. After swimming in the sea, they died from an infection with the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus.
Since January, 26 cases of these vibrio infections have been reported in the US state of Florida, according to the US authorities. In 2022, there were a total of 74 cases and 17 deaths reported „Fox News“.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of the causes of Vibrio vulnificus infection can be necrotizing fasciitis, a serious infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies.
Killer germs love warm water
The dangerous pathogen spreads mainly in warmer seawater with a lower salt content (from 0.5 percent). And in Germany, too, these vibrios cloud the summer bathing fun – especially on the Baltic Sea in regions with estuaries and bays. For several years, they have been regularly found along the Baltic Sea coast in the summer months.
The State Office for Health and Social Affairs (LAGuS) had already published an official warning for the Baltic Sea in July, according to which people with certain basic risks were particularly at risk.
“This includes people with underlying chronic diseases or with an existing immune deficiency as well as people of older age,” the authorities said. “If bathers belong to these risk groups and have skin injuries, contact with sea or brackish water should be avoided.”
However, an infection in humans after contact with Baltic Sea water has not been reported so far this year. In the summer of 2003, two severe wound infections were reported to the health authorities in the district of Ostvorpommern, one of which was fatal.
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How does an infection progress?
When bathing, the pathogens can enter the body through superficial and deep skin injuries and cause severe wound infections up to and including fatal sepsis. A scratch is enough!
After infection, the incubation period is about 12 to 72 hours. Externally, the infection is noticeable through spreading redness and blisters. Vibrios can destroy skin, muscle and tissue and lead to life-threatening blood poisoning (sepsis). Multi-organ failure is possible, there is a risk of death! Antibiotics must be given as soon as possible.
In addition, some Vibrio species colonize fish, mussels or crabs. Eating contaminated sea creatures can also lead to infection. So far, however, this has not happened in Germany.
How to protect yourself
► On the current water card Bathers on Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Baltic Sea coast can see the classified quality
► Anyone who is in poor health or chronically ill (including liver disease, diabetes) should never go into the water with open wounds.
“This is especially true after operations, where you should wait at least ten to 14 days until the wound is completely closed,” says Prof. Emil Reisinger from the University of Rostock. In any case, avoid swallowing water.
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