Vibrio vulnificus, not a fictional threat in ocean legends

It's a dangerous bacteria lurking in warm water.

This Vibrio bacteria prefers seawater environment

Once the water temperature rises above 20 ° C

They breed quickly and actively.

At the height of summer,

Especially in the warm waters off the southeastern coast of China

Vibrio vulnificus is more active

How Vibrio vulnificus invades the human body is very secret

There are two main routes.

One is that the wound comes into contact with bacterial seawater. Even minor wounds, such as a scratch from a mosquito bite, a minor scrape, or even an untreated surgical cut, can inadvertently become infected. Therefore, being stabbed or cut while handling seafood is also one of the common routes of infection.

The second was the consumption of uncooked contaminated seafood, especially filtered shellfish such as oysters. Food infections are mostly characterized by symptoms of acute gastroenteritis such as severe diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain; Wound infection is even more dangerous, with rapid redness and swelling, severe pain and burning, followed by blisters, skin bruises and even rapid progression to deadly gangrene (tissue necrosis), which is known in medicine as necrotizing fasciitis.

It is especially alarming that people with impaired immunity, such as cirrhosis, diabetes, long-term alcohol abuse, tumors or those who need to take immunosuppressive drugs for a long time, can rapidly worsen their condition once they are infected with Vibrio vulnificus.

Statistics show that patients with cirrhosis have an alarmingly high risk of progression to fatal sepsis after infection, compared to healthy people.

Vibrio vulnificus infection although the overall incidence is low

Their condition is dangerous but sobering.

For safety reasons

Keep the following protective tips in mind.

　　1.Risk averse behaviors: Avoid injury exposure to seawater or seafood, especially during high seasons.

　　2.Use caution when handling seafood: It is especially critical to wear thick gloves when handling fish, shrimp and shellfish.

　　3.Thoroughly cooked is essential: Seafood should be cooked thoroughly, especially during the summer months and should be avoided raw.

　　4.Be alert for underlying diseases: High-risk people should be extra cautious about exposure to seawater, and if they find abnormal redness, swelling and pain in the wound, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible, and clearly inform the doctor of the possible exposure history.

While enjoying the gifts of the sea during the summer months, we must also be vigilant against this silent threat. Following the scientific method allows us to get safely close to the ocean and safe from the risks posed by Vibrio vulnificus.