VIBRIOSIS

Overview and Facts

Vibriosis is also known as Vibrio Infection.

A vibrio can cause human diseases, and it takes lots of it to do so. Vibriosis is the term used after it turns into illness.

These bacteria live in coastal waters. Exposing an open wound to salted water can get you this bacteria.

The most known species causing diseases in the United States are:

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Vibrio vulnificus
Vibrio alginolyticus

How to avoid getting Vibriosis

Avoid eating undercooked shellfish (oysters)
Avoid unclean raw fish
Exposing an open wound to salted water
Boosting your immune system
Avoid eating contaminated food

When do infections occur?

When seasons are warm, and water temperatures are warmer, infections may increase from May to October. People should take extra precautions when going to the sea and vacationing. Be aware of your own body. If wounded, make sure to get it adequately treated to lessen the chance of getting it infected.

Is it a severe disease?

Vibrio Vulnificus is one of the severe infections. This infection is critical and needs intense care and may result in limb amputation. Some patients, upon knowing their diagnosis after two days or so, die, due to the infection. Other infections, however, can heal abruptly and can recover for approximately three days without additional side effects.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

When consumed, watery diarrhea
Abdominal cramping
Vomiting
Chills
Fever
Nausea
Skin infection

Typically, these symptoms may occur after 24 hours and may continue for about three days

Their symptoms are like symptoms of food poisoning as well. Make sure to go to the doctor to get properly diagnosed.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

A doctor may diagnose a patient if he/she has watery diarrhea and has eaten raw or undercooked shellfish or oyster. Exposure of wound to saltwater is a symptom of the patient as well. Vibrio bacteria may be found in the patient’s stool, blood, or injury. In Vibrio vulnificus, however, it may cause a severe threat to a patient’s life if not treated immediately.

TREATMENT

In mild cases of infection, you can pass up treatment. But with patients experiencing extreme watery diarrhea, an increase in fluid intake is encouraged because of vomiting and diarrhea. Loss of fluid may result in dehydration and may increase other risks of other illnesses. Its symptoms are common; make sure to ask your doctor about your symptoms. In severe cases, antibiotics are prescribed.

Who is more likely to get infected?

People with liver problems should look after the infection and should be more aware when eating seafood, especially oysters, for they are most likely to get infected by this bacteria.

Boosting your immune system is critical as well. Making sure your wound is properly treated and healed before exposing them to saltwater. Make sure to locate your injuries to know how and when to get it treated. Some scars cannot be seen, thus, making them hard to manage.