For
about a week now we have been hearing about a “flesh-eating bacteria” in
the coastal and inland waters of Southwest Florida and the Gulf of
Mexico, but what’s really in the water and how careful do I really need
to be?
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria that occurs naturally in coastal
waters. The bacteria, which is more abundant in the summer months (you
know, the months without an “R” in the name), is not new, it is not more
abundant than in years past, and it is not “flesh-eating”.
When exposed to the bacteria, individuals with underlying health
conditions can experience symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal
pain, diarrhea, fever, and chills after eating raw or undercooked
seafood, especially oysters. Swallowing water while swimming is not a
danger, the gastrointestinal form of the infection can only be
contracted by eating raw or undercooked fish. These gastrointestinal
symptoms can be severe, or even fatal, but only for individuals with a
compromised immune system.
Individuals with an open wound that has been exposed to seawater or
brackish water can develop an infection at the site of the wound. Jay
Grimes, a professor at the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf
Coast Research Laboratory who has studied Vibrio bacteria since 1980
advises those who like to fish in Gulf waters to prevent the risk of
Vibrio skin infections by keeping hydrogen peroxide and Betadine in
their tackle boxes. “Hydrogen peroxide is not an antiseptic, but when
you pour it on a wound, the bubbling has a cleansing effect. Then if you
put Betadine on it, chances are good you won't get an infection.” he
said.
“Floridians and visitors without flesh wounds or underlying medical
conditions should not be alarmed”, said Michael Drennon, epidemiologist
for Sarasota County. Healthy individuals should continue to enjoy the
beach and other salt water activities.
It is important to note that that shellfish from grocery stores and
restaurants are approved and licensed for distribution. If you choose to
harvest your own shellfish, it should be from an approved harvesting
site. Sarasota County does not have shellfish harvesting sites and
harvesting sites in other parts of the state are currently closed.
Cooking shellfish thoroughly eliminates harmful bacteria and viruses in
the meat.
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce
5114 Ocean Boulevard
Siesta Key, FL 34242
(941) 349-3800
