DOCSLIB.ORG

Vol. XXV Issue No. 2 June 2004

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Vol. XXV Issue No. 2 June 2004 Vol. XXV Issue No. 2 June 2004 Report on the Enhanced Surveillance for Chlamydia West Nile Virus - 2003 Summary and in Women - South Carolina, 1998-2002 the Upcoming Season WAYNE A. DUFFUS, MD, PhD LENA M. BRETOUS, MD, MPH Medical Consultant Medical Consultant Extent of Chlamydia Problem Chlamydia remains a significant health threat among In 2003, South Carolina recorded six human cases of women and adolescents. Most estimates predict that 1 in 20 West Nile Virus (WNV). Surveillance numbers for other WNV sexually active woman of childbearing age or 1 in 10 adoles- positives in 2003 include: 282 birds, 54 equine, 3 mosquito cent girls are infected with chlamydia. In fact, 90% of all pools, and 1 alpaca. See table on page reported cases are in individuals less than 24 years of age. three for human case description. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Unfortunately, 60 – 80% of infected women have no symp- Because of the long stretch of toms, and therefore are not aware of their infection and may warm weather in spring and fall, in- Report on the Enhanced not seek health care. fected mosquitoes have a longer win- Surveillance for Chlamydia is the most commonly reported sexually dow to spread the disease in South Chlamydia in Women - South Carolina, transmitted infection among women in the United States (US). Carolina. The first human WNV case 1998 - 2002 The southeast led the nation in chlamydia prevalence in 2002. in South Carolina during 2003 was also Pg. 1 For example, there were 451.1 cases/100,000 persons diag- the first recorded case in the country nosed in the U.S. but 604.3 cases/100,000 persons diagnosed last year. The last case of the season in WNV 2003 Summary in South Carolina (SC) in that year. Because of this high SC occurred in late November. Activ- and Upcoming Season Pg. 1 prevalence in our state, the SC Department of Health and ity has already been recorded for 2004 Environmental Control (DHEC) began screening at sentinel in some parts of the country. Foodborne Illness sites in 1996, and implemented statewide screening by 1998. Though most infected individu- Update When diagnosed, chlamydia can be easily treated and als are asymptomatic, roughly 20 per- Pg. 2 cured. An untreated infection has severe and costly compli- cent show self-limited viral symptoms Vibrio Vulnificus cations including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic of fever, malaise, and muscle aches last- Pg. 2 pregnancy, infertility, chronic pelvic pain and adverse preg- ing several weeks. According to CDC nancy outcomes. In addition, because this is an inflamma- guidelines, diagnosis of WNV infec- Ask Epi Pg. 6 tory condition, an untreated woman is at increased risk of tion is based on a high index of clinical acquiring HIV via sexual transmission from an HIV-infected suspicion and obtaining specific labo- sex partner. ratory tests. Addressing the Problem WNV, or other arboviral diseases such as St. In recognition of this major public health problem, SC Louis encephalitis, should be strongly participates in the Region IV Chlamydia Prevention Project considered in adults >50 years who develop (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North unexplained encephalitis or meningitis in Carolina, and Tennessee), a publicly funded program to sup- summer or early fall. port chlamydia screening primarily in family planning (FP) clinics, but also sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics, The local presence of WNV enzootic activity or prenatal clinics, jail, juvenile detention centers, and other sites. other human cases should further raise suspicion. All county health departments follow the state STD Program Standing Orders for treatment, and partner treatment Obtaining a recent travel history is also important. (see CHLAMYDIA on page 3) (see WEST NILE VIRUS page 3) Digitized by South Carolina State Library Epi Notes Page 2 June 2004 Update on Foodborne Illness in S.C. Vibrio vulnificus Vibrio vulnificus is a rare but potentially deadly dis- JULIE SCHLEGEL, MSP ease associated with the consumption of raw and undercooked Foodborne Epidemiologist shellfish. Infections are seasonal; over 85% occur between The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) May and October. Environmental factors, such as warm water estimates that each year 76 million people get sick, more than and moderate salinity, can increase the number of V. vulnificus 300,000 are hospitalized, and 5,000 die as a result of foodborne organisms in shellfish. In 2003, three cases of Vibrio vulnificus illnesses. With an increase in travel and outdoor-related ac- were reported to DHEC. Two of the cases were fatal. This tivities in the upcoming summer months, ideal conditions for article is meant to provide healthcare providers with informa- the growth and proliferation of the foodborne pathogens are tion regarding Vibrio vulnificus and with tips to advise pa- enhanced. Vigilance for foodborne illness is especially im- tients who have underlying risk factors for the disease. portant in diagnosing gastrointestinal illness. Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring estuarine or- Physicians play a vital role in alerting the public health ganism. Shellfish, such as oysters, which feed by filtering system about a potential foodborne outbreak by recognizing seawater that may contain Vibrio vulnificus are likely to be suspicious symptoms, disease clusters, and etiologic agents, infected with the organism. This is especially true of shellfish and reporting illnesses to DHEC. Proper collection of stool harvested from the Gulf Coast region, where the majority of specimens will also aid in diagnosis. Close collaboration be- cases in the United States occur. Since much of the shellfish tween the private and public health sectors is critical to the imported into South Carolina comes the Gulf, Vibrio vulnificus foodborne outbreak investigation process. This close work- is a significant concern to our residents and tourists. ing relationship between South Carolina providers and DHEC Vibrio vulnificus may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and ab- has resulted in many successful investigations and identifi- dominal pain among healthy people who eat contaminated cation of causative organisms in foodborne illness over the seafood. However, in patients with existing illness or those past few months. Among these are the following: who are immunocompromised, Vibrio vulnificus can lead to septicemia, causing a severe and life-threatening illness. Vibrio • In October 2003, a cluster of Salmonella Enteritidis vulnificus bloodstream infections are fatal about 50% of the was traced back to a large institutional setting, time. Persons at high risk for Vibrio vulnificus infection are thanks to astute local providers who submitted stool cul- those with liver disorders (e.g. cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, tures to the DHEC Bureau of Laboratories for Pulsed Field chronic hepatitis), diabetes, stomach disorders, cancer, HIV/ Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) testing. AIDS, and alcohol abuse, as well as those with a weakened immune system due to a variety of medical treatments, such • In November 2003, an outbreak of Noro virus (for- as chemotherapy. Physicians are encouraged to warn their merly known as Noro-like virus) associated with a medical patients with these risk factors to avoid eating raw or seminar involving attendees from all over the southeast undercooked shellfish. South Carolina is one of twenty states was identified due to the timely collection of stool speci- that require reporting of Vibrio infections. Reports of Vibrio mens for culture and epidemiological investigation. cases can be phoned to your local health department or sub- mitted by a DHEC Disease Report Card. • In January 2004, an alert emergency department phy- Furthermore, food safety education is a critical part of sician contacted DHEC regarding a cluster of diarrheal the prevention of foodborne illness. DHEC has developed a illnesses seen in teenagers. This timely notification led to brochure on Vibrio vulnificus, which is available at your local the identification of an outbreak of Staphylococcus aureus county health department or refer to the following sources for related to lasagna served in an institutional setting. more information and educational materials: • In March 2004, a large outbreak of foodborne illness Partnership for Food Safety Education http://www.fightbac.org caused by Clostridium perfringens in a catered meal was successfully identified due to the timely collection and CDC’s Food Safety Office PFGE testing of stool specimens and food samples. http://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/ FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition A quick reference guide for foodborne etiological agents http://www.cfsan.fda.gov is included on page six of this issue. For consultation regard- Food Safety.gov provides links to selected government food safety- ing foodborne illnesses, please contact your local health de- related information partment or the DHEC Division of Acute Disease Epidemiol- http://www.foodsafety.gov ogy at (803) 898-0861. A guide outlining sample collection and testing is avail- able on our web page at: http://www.scdhec.gov/hs/diseasecont/disease.htm ( see FOODBORNE ILLNESS - page 6) Digitized by South Carolina State Library Epi Notes Page 3 June 2004 (WEST NILE VIRUS - continued from page 1) Updated information on clinical presentation, diagnostic 55% black, 40% white, and 5% Hispanic. testing available through DHEC, specimen submission and re- Gen-Probe DNA nucleic acid hybridization assay for all porting, and links to other sources are available
Load more

Recommended publications
  • ABSTRACT DRAKE, STEPHENIE LYNN. the Ecology Vibrio
    ABSTRACT DRAKE, STEPHENIE LYNN. The Ecology Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus from Oyster Harvest Sites in the Gulf of Mexico. (Under the direction of Dr. Lee-Ann Jaykus). The Vibrionaceae are environmentally ubiquitous to estuarine waters. Two species in particular, V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus, are important human pathogens that are transmitted by the consumption of contaminated molluscan shellfish. There is limited information available for the recent risk assessments; accordingly, the purpose of this study was to address some of these data gaps in the V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus risk assessments. The objectives of this study were to (i) quantify the levels of total estuarine bacteria, total Vibrio spp., and specific levels of non-pathogenic and pathogenic V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus over the harvest period; and (ii) determine if length of harvest time affects the levels of V. vulnificus. Oyster and water samples were harvested seasonally from 3 U.S. Gulf Coast sites over 2 years. Environmental parameters were monitored during harvesting. Both surface and bottom water samples (1 L) were taken at the beginning of harvesting and at the end of harvesting. Oyster samples (15 specimens for each time point) were taken at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10 hrs intervals after being held at ambient temperature during harvesting. Samples were processed for many different bacteria. For enumeration of total V. parahaemolyticus, pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus, and V. vulnificus was done using colony lift hybridization (tlh, tdh+ and/or trh+, and vvhA gene targets, respectively). MPN methods were also used to obtain estimates of pathogenic V.
    [Show full text]
  • Kellie ID Emergencies.Pptx
    4/24/11 ID Alert! recognizing rapidly fatal infections Susan M. Kellie, MD, MPH Professor of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, UNMSOM Hospital Epidemiologist UNMHSC and NMVAHCS Fever and…. Rash and altered mental status Rash Muscle pain Lymphadenopathy Hypotension Shortness of breath Recent travel Abdominal pain and diarrhea Case 1. The cross-country trucker A 30 year-old trucker driving from Oklahoma to California is hospitalized in Deming with fever and headache He is treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, but deteriorates with obtundation, low platelet count, and a centrifugal petechial rash and is transferred to UNMH 1 4/24/11 What is your diagnosis? What is the differential diagnosis of fever and headache with petechial rash? (in the US) Tickborne rickettsioses ◦ RMSF Bacteria ◦ Neisseria meningitidis Key diagnosis in this case: “doxycycline deficiency” Key vector-borne rickettsioses treated with doxycycline: RMSF-case-fatality 5-10% ◦ Fever, nausea, vomiting, myalgia, anorexia and headache ◦ Maculopapular rash progresses to petechial after 2-4 days of fever ◦ Occasionally without rash Human granulocytotropic anaplasmosis (HGA): case-fatality<1% Human monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (HME): case fatality 2-3% 2 4/24/11 Lab clues in rickettsioses The total white blood cell (WBC) count is typicallynormal in patients with RMSF, but increased numbers of immature bands are generally observed. Thrombocytopenia, mild elevations in hepatic transaminases, and hyponatremia might be observed with RMSF whereas leukopenia
    [Show full text]
  • WO 2014/134709 Al 12 September 2014 (12.09.2014) P O P C T
    (12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (19) World Intellectual Property Organization International Bureau (10) International Publication Number (43) International Publication Date WO 2014/134709 Al 12 September 2014 (12.09.2014) P O P C T (51) International Patent Classification: (81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every A61K 31/05 (2006.01) A61P 31/02 (2006.01) kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM, AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW, BY, (21) International Application Number: BZ, CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, PCT/CA20 14/000 174 DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, (22) International Filing Date: HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IR, IS, JP, KE, KG, KN, KP, KR, 4 March 2014 (04.03.2014) KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, (25) Filing Language: English OM, PA, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, RU, RW, SA, (26) Publication Language: English SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TH, TJ, TM, TN, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, (30) Priority Data: ZW. 13/790,91 1 8 March 2013 (08.03.2013) US (84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every (71) Applicant: LABORATOIRE M2 [CA/CA]; 4005-A, rue kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH, de la Garlock, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1L 1W9 (CA). GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU, TJ, (72) Inventors: LEMIRE, Gaetan; 6505, rue de la fougere, TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, Sherbrooke, Quebec JIN 3W3 (CA).
    [Show full text]
  • Vibrio Vulnificus Fact Sheet
    DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Division of Epidemiology, Disease Surveillance and Investigation 899 N. Capitol Street, NE, Suite 580 Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 442-9371 * Fax (202) 442-8060 www.dchealth.dc.gov What is the treatment for Vibrio vulnificus What is Vibrio vulnificus? infection? Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium in the same family that Vibrio vulnificus infection is treated with antibiotics, causes cholera. The bacterium lives in warm seawater such as tetracycline, doxycycline, or cephalosporin and is a salt-requiring organism. It is frequently isolated (e.g., ceftazidime). from oysters and other shellfish in warm coastal waters during the summer months. How can Vibrio vulnificus infection be prevented? What is Vibrio vulnificus infection? • Do not eat raw oysters or other raw Vibrio vulnificus infection is an acute illness that shellfish. produces septicemia (blood infection) in persons with • Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) chronic liver disease, chronic alcoholism, or those who thoroughly. Boil until the shells open and are immunocompromised. When open wounds are continue boiling for 5 minutes, or steam exposed to warm seawater, Vibrio vulnificus infections until the shells open during cooking. Do not may lead to skin breakdown and ulceration. Bloodstream eat shellfish that do not open during infections, common in immunocompromised persons, cooking. Boil shucked oysters for at least 3 can be fatal. The majority of infections in the United minutes, or fry them in oil at least 10 States are reported from the Gulf Coast states. minutes at 375°F. • Avoid cross-contamination of cooked How does Vibrio vulnificus infection occur? seafood and other foods with raw seafood Infection occurs after eating contaminated raw or and their juices.
    [Show full text]
  • Investigation Into Rising Vibrio Populations in Eastern Coast Oysters Eric Grigg, Donna L
    Investigation into Rising Vibrio Populations in Eastern Coast Oysters Eric Grigg, Donna L. Rhoads, M.Sc. Introduction Results and Discussion Conclusion Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a gram-negative, rod-shaped, and halophilic bacteria that is the leading cause of Oyster Collection: The study found an increasing trend of both Vibrio parahaemolyticus CFUs and Vibrio vulnificus CFUs. This seafood-borne bacterial gastroenteritis. The gastroenteritis is caused when Vibrio parahaemolyticus is consumed with shows that the risk of infection with Vibrio bacteria via raw oysters rises during the summer months. In addition, raw oysters and various other forms of seafood. The gastroenteritis is mainly characterized by watery diarrhea along Our results show an overall increase in Vibrio CFUs over the course of the summer. Our first four collections show a constant heavy rainfall seems to have an effect on Vibrio populations. After Hurricane Arthur passed, the CFUs for Vibrio with nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, chills, and fever.1 Vibrio vulnificus causes the same gastroenteritis, but can increase in number of Vv CFUs until our fifth collection. The fifth collection was performed after Hurricane Arthur passed through the vulnificus dropped sharply. This occurred again after heavy rainfall during the eighth week of the study. Given these infect the bloodstream of immunocompromised people causing fever, chills, lowered blood pressure, and skin lesions.2 Connecticut area around the 4th of July. The hurricane contributed to the drop in Vv numbers by decreasing the salinity of the water results, routine surveillance of oyster beds should be instituted. In addition, a more thorough means of cleaning the Fifty percent of people infected with Vibrio vulnificus succumb to the infection.2 and increasing the amount of sediment and runoff from the mainland.
    [Show full text]
  • Kentucky Reportable Disease Form Department for Public Health Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning 275 East Main St., Mailstop HS1E-C
    EPID 200 (Rev. Jan/03) Kentucky Reportable Disease Form Department for Public Health Division of Epidemiology and Health Planning 275 East Main St., Mailstop HS1E-C Frankfort, KY 40621-0001 Disease Name_____________________ Mail Form to Local Health Department DEMOGRAPHIC DATA Patient’s Last Name First M.I. Date of Birth Age Gender / / M F Unk Address City State Zip County of Residence Phone Number Patient ID Number Ethnic Origin Race His. Non-His. W B A/PI Am.Ind. Other DISEASE INFORMATION Disease/Organism Date of Onset Date of Diagnosis / / / / List Symptoms/Comments Highest Temperature Days of Diarrhea Hospitalized? Admission Date Discharge Date Died? Date of Death Yes No / / / / Yes No Unk / / Hospital Name: Is Patient Pregnant? Yes No If yes, # wks_____ School/Daycare Associated? Yes No Outbreak Associated? Yes No Name of School/Daycare: Food Handler? Yes No Person or Agency Completing form: Attending Physician: Name: Agency: Name: Address: Address: Phone: Date of Report: / / Phone: LABORATORY INFORMATION Date Name or Type of Test Name of Laboratory Specimen Source Results ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES ONLY Method of case detection: Prenatal Community & Screening Delivery Instit. Screening Reactor Provider Report Volunteer Disease: Stage Disease: Site: (Check all that apply) Resistance: Primary (lesion) Secondary (symptoms) Gonorrhea Genital, uncomplicated Ophthalmic Penicillin Syphilis Early Latent Late Latent Chlamydia Pharyngeal PID/Acute Tetracycline Congenital Other Chancroid Anorectal Salpingitis Other ___________ Other___________________ Date of spec. Laboratory Name Type of Test Results Treatment Date Medication Dose Collection If syphilis, was previous treatment given for this infection? Yes No If yes, give approximate date and place_______________________________________________________________ 902 KAR 2:020 requires health professionals to report the following diseases to the local health departments serving the jurisdiction in which the patient resides or to the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH).
    [Show full text]
  • Calhoun County Reportable Disease
    Page 1 of 5 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Date: 10/13/2014 MERLIN Registry System Time: 04:14:54 pm CONFIRMED, PROBABLE, SUSPECT, UNKNOWN CASES OF MULTIPLE DISEASES WITH REPORT DATE FROM 12/29/2013 TO Period Comparison Selection Date Compare Date 1 Compare Date 2 Compare Date 3 12/29/2013 - 10/13/2014 12/29/2012 - 10/13/2013 12/29/2011 - 10/13/2012 12/29/2010 - 10/13/2011 Disease Name Cases Rates* Cases Rates* Cases Rates* Cases Rates* County: CALHOUN Brucellosis - 02300 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 6.81 0 0.00 Campylobacteriosis - 03840 0 0.00 0 0.00 3 20.44 0 0.00 Cryptosporidiosis - 13680 1 6.82 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 Giardiasis, Acute - 00710 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 6.81 0 0.00 Haemophilus influenzae Invasive Disease - 0 0.00 1 6.77 0 0.00 0 0.00 03841 Hepatitis B, Chronic - 07032 1 6.82 0 0.00 2 13.63 0 0.00 Hepatitis C, Chronic - 07054 22 149.95 11 74.44 11 74.95 15 102.46 Lead Poisoning - 94890 0 0.00 1 6.77 0 0.00 1 6.83 Meningococcal Disease - 03630 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 6.83 Rabies, Animal - 07102 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 6.83 Rabies, Possible Exposure - 07101 1 6.82 0 0.00 4 27.26 2 13.66 Salmonellosis - 00300 1 6.82 3 20.30 4 27.26 3 20.49 Varicella (Chickenpox) - 05290 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 2 13.66 Vibriosis (Vibrio parahaemolyticus) - 00540 0 0.00 1 6.77 0 0.00 0 0.00 Total: 26 177.23 17 115.05 26 177.16 25 170.77 STATEWIDE TOTAL Amebic Encephalitis - 13620 1 0.01 1 0.01 0 0.00 1 0.01 Anthrax - 02200 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 1 0.01 Arboviral Disease, Other - 06000 1 0.01 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 Arsenic Poisoning - 98080 2 0.01 12 0.06 6 0.03 4 0.02 Botulism,
    [Show full text]
  • Vibrio: Myths Vs. Facts “Flesh-Eating Bacteria” Is a Phrase Often At- Weakened Immune Systems Are at Higher Risk Inside This Issue
    Public Health Information for Community Partners 5150 NW Milner Dr. prime Port St. Lucie, FL 34983 EPIsodes 15 August 2015 Phone (772) 462‐ 3800 www.stluciecountyhealth.com/ Vibrio: Myths vs. Facts “Flesh-eating bacteria” is a phrase often at- weakened immune systems are at higher risk Inside this issue... tached to infections associated with the group for these type of infections as well. Called a of bacteria called Vibrios. This phrase is also “necrotizing skin infection,” this is a rare, very Vibrio: Myths vs. often followed by the warning that these bacte- severe infection that can destroy muscles, skin Facts 1 ria have been found in local waters and that and surrounding tissues. SLC Reportable someone died after getting infected. Many different bacteria can cause necrotizing Diseases While “flesh eating bacteria” is a media fa- fasciitis. Streptococcus (group A Strep) is the Incidence Report 2 vorite, it is misleading, inaccurate and creates most common cause. Others include: Staph anxiety for many people. The presence of Vib- aureus (found on most people’s skin), E. coli, rios in nature does not mean that anyone who and Clostridium, to name a few. goes swimming or fishing risks a skin dissolv- “NO VIBRIO” TIPS ing bacterial infection. Continue to enjoy your water and beach activi- Fact is, Vibrios are a group of free-living bac- ties using the following prevention measures: teria found in coastal waters worldwide that Additional Vibrio Vulnificus If you have a weakened immune system, liv- reproduce rapidly in warmer, brackish or low information can be found at: er disease or other chronic condition, avoid http://www.floridahealth.gov/ salt waters.
    [Show full text]
  • Vibrio Vulnificus? People Can Get Infected with Vibrio Vulnificus When They Eat Raw Shellfish, Particularly Oysters
    How do persons get infected with Vibrio vulnificus? People can get infected with Vibrio vulnificus when they eat raw shellfish, particularly oysters. Since it is naturally found in warm marine waters, people with open wounds can be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with seawater. There is no evidence of person-to- person transmission of Vibrio vulnificus. How can Vibrio vulnificus infection be diagnosed? Vibrio vulnificus infection is diagnosed by stool, wound, or blood cultures. Notifying the laboratory when this infection is suspected helps because a special growth medium should be used to increase the diagnostic yield. Doctors should have a high suspicion for this organism when patients present with stomach illness, fever or shock following the ingestion of raw seafood, especially oysters, or with a wound infection after exposure to seawater. What type of illness does Vibrio vulnificus cause? Vibrio vulnificus can cause disease in those who eat contaminated seafood or have an open wound that is exposed to warm seawater containing the bacteria. Ingestion of Vibrio vulnificus can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Vibrio vulnificus can also cause an infection of the skin when open wounds are exposed to warm seawater; these infections may lead to skin breakdown and ulcers. Healthy individuals typically develop a mild disease; however Vibrio vulnificus infections can be a serious concern for people who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease. The bacterium can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe and life-threatening illness with symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock) and blistering skin lesions.
    [Show full text]
  • Summary of Notifiable Diseases — United States, 2010
    Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Weekly / Vol. 59 / No. 53 June 1, 2012 Summary of Notifiable Diseases — United States, 2010 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report CONTENTS Preface .......................................................................................................................2 TABLE 5. Reported cases and incidence* of notifiable diseases,† by Background .............................................................................................................2 race — United States, 2010 .......................................................................... 43 Infectious Diseases Designated as Notifiable at the National Level TABLE 6. Reported cases and incidence* of notifiable diseases,† by during 2010* .........................................................................................................3 ethnicity — United States, 2010 ................................................................. 45 Data Sources ...........................................................................................................4 PART 2: Graphs and Maps for Selected Notifiable Diseases Interpreting Data ...................................................................................................4 in the United States, 2010 ............................................................................. 47 Transition in NNDSS Data Collection and Reporting ................................5 PART 3: Historical Summaries
    [Show full text]
  • The Effect of Lime Juice on Vibrio Parahaemolyticus and Salmonella Enterica Inactivation During the Preparation of Raw Fish Dish
    THE EFFECT OF LIME JUICE ON VIBRIO PARAHAEMOLYTICUS AND SALMONELLA ENTERICA INACTIVATION DURING THE PREPARATION OF RAW FISH DISH CEVICHE by PRATEEK MATHUR A Thesis submitted to the Graduate School-New Brunswick Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey In partial fulfillment of the requirements For the degree of Master of Science Graduate Program in Food Science Written under the direction of Dr. Donald W. Schaffner and approved by ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ ________________________ New Brunswick, New Jersey May, 2012 ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS The effect of lime juice on Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Salmonella enterica inactivation during the preparation of raw fish dish ceviche By Prateek Mathur Thesis Director: Dr. Donald W. Schaffner Ceviche is a Peruvian raw fish dish. It is extremely popular in the South American countries and has recently gained prominence in USA. It can be made with many types of seafood but is most commonly in USA with tilapia. The most characteristic feature of ceviche is the use of lime juice for marinating the raw fish. No ingredient of the dish is cooked in the conventional sense of applying heat. There have been confirmed cases of cholera in Peru, New Jersey and Florida, associated with ceviche. Since lime juice is sole means of controlling risk in ceviche recipes across the world, it is important to study its anti-bacterial effects. Even though the literature is very rich in the use of organic acids as anti-bacterial agents, little data exists for their effect in seafood systems. The objective of the study was to study the anti-bacterial effects of lime juice marination in ceviche as it would be prepared in restaurants or homes.
    [Show full text]
  • Vibrio Vulnificus Fact Sheet
    Vibrio vulnificus Fact Sheet 1. What is Vibrio vulnificus? – V. vulnificus is a bacterium in the same family as those that cause cholera. It normally lives in warm seawater and is part of a group of vibrios that are called "halophilic" because they require salt. 2. What type of illness does V. vulnificus cause? – V. vulnificus can cause disease in those who eat contaminated seafood or have an open wound that is exposed to warm seawater: a. Among healthy people, ingestion of V. vulnificus can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In persons with underlying health problems, particularly those with chronic liver disease, it can infect the bloodstream, causing a severe and life- threatening illness characterized by fever and chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock), and blistering skin lesions. V. vulnificus bloodstream infections are fatal about 50% of the time. b. V. vulnificus can also cause an infection of the skin when open wounds are exposed to warm seawater; these infections may lead to skin breakdown and ulceration. Persons who are immunocompromised are at higher risk for further invasion of the organism into the bloodstream and potentially fatal complications. 3. How common is V.vulnificus infection? - V. vulnificus is a rare cause of disease, but it is also underreported. Between 1988 and 1995, CDC received reports of over 300 V. vulnificus infections from the Gulf Coast states, where the majority of cases occur. There is no national surveillance system for V. vulnificus infections, but CDC collaborates with the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi to monitor the number of cases of V.
    [Show full text]