The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is urging residents to be cautious of the potential risks associated with Vibrio bacteria when entering salt water or brackish water with open wounds. Open wounds, including recent cuts, scrapes, surgery sites, piercings, and tattoos, can become infected with Vibrio bacteria, which are commonly found in warm seawater or brackish water. These bacteria are more prevalent in warmer months, typically from May to October.
Recently, RIDOH identified a fatal case of vibriosis in a Rhode Island resident caused by Vibrio vulnificus. While infections with Vibrio vulnificus are rare, they can be severe, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions. In some cases, wounds infected with Vibrio vulnificus can lead to sepsis and pose life-threatening risks.
Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD, emphasized the importance of taking precautions for individuals at risk of Vibrio infections. It is crucial to avoid entering brackish water or salt water if you have open wounds, particularly if you are more susceptible to serious illness. Additionally, consuming raw or undercooked seafood can also lead to Vibrio infections, resulting in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and headache.
Rhode Island’s last reported cases of Vibrio vulnificus occurred in 2017, and with rising sea temperatures, the geographic range of these bacteria is expanding. The CDC has noted an increase in severe Vibrio vulnificus cases in the Eastern United States, including states like North Carolina, New York, and Connecticut. As coastal water temperatures continue to rise, Vibrio vulnificus infections are expected to become more common.
Individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications are at a higher risk of Vibrio infections and complications. These conditions include liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, thalassemia, immune-suppressing therapy, stomach acid-reducing medications, and recent stomach surgery.
To stay safe from Vibrio infections, RIDOH recommends avoiding salt and brackish water if you have open wounds, covering cuts with waterproof bandages, washing wounds thoroughly with soap and water after contact with seawater or seafood, cooking raw shellfish before consumption, and seeking medical attention for infected wounds promptly.
If you suspect you may have a Vibrio infection, inform your healthcare provider if you have been in contact with coastal water, raw seafood, or if you are experiencing symptoms after consuming undercooked seafood. For more information on Vibrio, visit the CDC’s website or refer to RIDOH’s enteric disease data dashboard for Rhode Island-specific data from 2018-2022. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself from Vibrio bacteria and potential infections.
