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Health Officials Urge Awareness Of Bacteria Potentially In Local Waters
July 4, 2022
The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County is urging residents and visitors to limit exposure to Vibrio vulnificus. Occurring naturally in the warm coastal waters, particularly during the summer months, Vibrio vulnificus has the potential to cause serious illness.
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that normally lives in warm, brackish seawater. Since it is naturally found in warm marine waters, people with open wounds, cuts, or scratches can be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with seawater or estuarine water. Also, Vibrio vulnificus can cause disease in those who eat raw or undercooked oysters and shellfish.
There has been one confirmed case in Escambia County so far this year, according to FDOH.
Healthy individuals typically develop a mild disease; however, Vibrio vulnificus infections can be a serious concern for people who have weakened immune systems.
- Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
- Wound infection can lead to skin breakdown and blistering.
- In persons who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease, Vibrio vulnificus can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe, life-threatening illness with symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock) and blistering skin lesions.
Individuals experiencing these symptoms should contact a physician immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Individuals with wound infections should also seek care promptly.
“It is important for people to be vigilant of these symptoms and seek immediate medical care,” said Marie Mott, administrator of the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County. “Residents and visitors should also avoid consuming raw and undercooked shellfish as well as foods that have come into contact with raw seafood. Those with open wounds should not enter the water.”
Comments
4 Responses to “Health Officials Urge Awareness Of Bacteria Potentially In Local Waters”
I have an ex that used to say only eat raw oysters in months that end in “R”. If that’s true you shouldn’t be eating from the gulf anyway.Right?
Should avoid oysters also during summertime.
Bruce beach is known as “deuce deuce” run off” beach.
Started decades ago not just a recent event.
Got rid of the wastewater facility downtown and took advantage of “deuce deuce beach”
ANYWHERE along thw waterfront of Downtown and Pensacola Bay is LOADED with this Dangerou Nasty Bacteria of the type listed above.
Friend lost a leg to the Vibro right around star lake, also bayou chico, Bruce Beach, etc on the bay and others who fish and throw cast nets have had bad scares and time in hospital getting Massive doses of antibacterial infusions.
In my opinion “the Developers” and “City Council” of Pensacola are willingly encouraging unknowing citizens to expose themselves at places like Bruce Beach where the bacterial count for UWF study was “Off the Charts”.
Be Careful…