DOCSLIB.ORG

November-December 2003 Volume 14 Number 6

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
November-December 2003 Volume 14 Number 6 Louisiana Morbidity Report Louisiana Office of Public Health - Infectious Disease Epidemiology Section P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160 (504) 568-5005 www.oph.dhh.state.la.us/infectiousdisease/index.html M. J. “Mike” Foster, Jr. David W. Hood GOVERNOR SECRETARY November-December 2003 Volume 14 Number 6 species, V. vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus and V. cholerae non-01 Vibrio In Louisiana, 1993-2002 account for 73% of the cases (Figure 2). Summary Figure 2: Vibrio serotypes, Louisiana 1993-2002 Susan Wilson, RN MSN CIC Total Number From 1993 to 2002, a total of 429 cases of vibrio illness were 160 reported to the Office of Public Health, Infectious Disease Epidemi- 140 ology Section. The number of cases per year ranged from 30 to 61 120 cases with an average incidence rate of 1.0 case per 100,000 (Figure 100 1). 80 60 Figure 1: Vibrio cases* by year, Louisiana 1993-2002 Total Number Total 40 70 20 0 60 U n Alg Cho Dams Fluv Holl Mimi Mult N Para Vul k on / i l n N - o - 01 t 50 01 t yp ed 40 Serotype 30 Among patients for whom information was available, the me- 20 dian age of vibrio cases was 48 years (range 1 to 95 years). Age- Number ofNumber Cases specific case rates were higher in age groups 45 years and older than 10 among all other age groups (Figure 3). 0 1993 1994 1995 19 19 1998 19 2000 2001 20 96 97 99 02 Figure 3: Vibrio Case Rate by Age Groups, Louisiana, 1993-2002 Year N = 429; * includes Cholerae-01 40 35 These infections were associated with nine different vibrio or- 30 ganisms (V. alginolyticus, V. cholerae-01, V. cholerae non-01, V. 25 23.7 damsela, V. fluvialis, V. hollisae, V. mimicus, V. parahaemolyticus ! 20 18.8 17.9 and V. vulnificus, as well as cases involving multiple vibrios). Three ! 16.7 ! ! 15 10 8.05 7.4 !"#$%#$ 6.5 ! Case Rate per 100,000 ! ! 5 2.6 1.2 1.6 ! ! 0 ! 0 5 10 20 25 35 45 55 65 75 Vibrio in Louisiana, 1993-2002 Summary ....................................................1 -0 -09 - - - - - - - + 4 19 24 34 44 54 64 74 Vibrio in Louisiana - January-October, 2003 ................................................3 Age Group Alligators and West Nile Virus ....................................................................4 This age distribution shows an increase in vibrio cases among Conjunctivitis Outbreak ...............................................................................5 advancing age groups, an expectant finding for vibrio disease among older adults who may also comprise a high risk population group. OPH Training Offering ...............................................................................5 Male cases outnumbered female cases by more than 2:1 (291 versus Scene from the Alexandria Antibiotic Resistance Kickoff .............................5 135 cases). Race and ethnicity was known in 97% of the total cases; of these, a significantly higher proportion was reported Region 1 Norovirus Outbreak .......................................................................6 among Whites (76%) versus African-Americans (18%). Announcement of Publication......................................................................6 (Continued on next page) Louisiana Morbidity Report November-December 2003 Vibrios in Louisiana, Ten Year Summary (Cont.) The month of onset for vibrio illnesses reportedly occurred Figure 6: Reported Vibrio Cases by Parish Louisiana, 1993-2002 from April through September with peaks observed in the summer months which correlate with the warm environmental conditions 1 4 2 that foster vibrio growth (Figure 4). 1 Figure 4: Vibrio cases by month of onset, Louisiana, 1993-2002 90 2 80 1 2 1 2 70 6 3 2 15 5 25 60 4 8 17 5 1 3 3 3 68 50 2 3 10 3 6 90 24 2 40 42 23 9 Number ofNumber Cases 30 20 10 The role of vibrio species as causative agents of gastroenteri- 0 tis, wound infection and primary septicemia has been well-estab- Jan Feb Mar A May Ju Ju Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec pr n l lished and known to cause diverse clinical presentations. Of the Month of Illness Onset three major categorical syndromes reported, the largest proportion N = 429 of case-patients presented with gastroenteritis (48%) followed by Contact with Gulf waters with high salinities and temperatures wound infections (34%) and primary septicemia (13%). as well as the sustenance of vibrio pathogens for long periods, have the potential to cause infections for at-risk individuals either from Gastroenteritis shellfish harvested for consumption or by contact exposure to wa- Along with other Gulf Coastal states, vibrio surveillance con- ter during occupational and/or recreational activities. No large out- ducted in Louisiana over this ten-year period showed that gastro- breaks of vibrio infections were identified in Louisiana during this enteritis was the most commonly reported syndrome of vbrio infec- ten-year surveillance period. Vibrio infections had generally occurred tions. Among 202 case-patients diagnosed as gastroenteritis, the as sporadic cases which have been consistent with prior experience most frequently reported symptoms were diarrhea (82%), nausea in the United States. (68%), vomiting (54%) and fever (51%). Overall, 151 (77%) cases Of the case-patients who reported any underlying illnesses, reported eating seafood within seven days before illness. The mean the most frequently reported conditions are represented, (Figure 5). time between seafood consumption and onset of illness was 2.2 days. The median duration of illness was 6.5 days. Forty-three Figure 5: Vibrio cases with underlying conditions, Louisiana, 1993-2002 percent of the reported cases required hospitalization with a median hospital stay of three days. The vibrio species most frequently iden- Heart disease Yes Liver disease Yes tified among gastroenteritis case-patients were V. cholera non-01, 33% 27% V. mimicus, V. fluvialis and V. parahaemolyticus. Wound Infections Unk Unk 2% 2% Wound and soft tissue infections are the second most serious extra-intestinal infections caused by exposure to seawater or raw No No 71% 65% Louisiana Morbidity Report Diabetes Alcoholism Volume 14 Number 6 November-December 2003 Yes 24% Yes 20% The Louisiana Morbidity Report is published bimonthly by the Infectious Disease Epidemiology Section of the Louisiana Office of Public Health to inform physicians, nurses, and public health Unk Unk professionals about disease trends and patterns in Louisiana. 1% 3% Address correspondence to Louisiana Morbidity Report, Infectious No Disease Epidemiology Section, Louisiana Department of Health No 77% and Hospitals, P.O. Box 60630, New Orleans, LA 70160. 75% Assistant Secretary, OPH Sharon Howard, MSW State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard, MD MPH MS The geographic distribution of case-patients by parish of resi- dence was known in 98% of the reported cases. At least 64% of the Editors Susan Wilson, MSN cases were reported from the six southeastern parishes of the state: Rosemarie Robertson, BS MT(C) CNMT Jefferson, Terrebonne, Orleans, St. Tammany, St. Bernard and Layout & Design Ethel Davis, CST Lafourche (Figure 6). 2 Louisiana Morbidity Report November-December 2003 seafood drippings with vibrio organisms. Clinical presentations death from V. vulnificus infection for patients with liver disease who range from mild erythema to severe cellulitis with fasciitis and myo- eat raw oysters. V. vulnificus naturally occurs in the marine environ- sitis. A total of 144 case-patients developed wound infections asso- ment and is considered to be an opportunistic pathogen in individu- ciated with vibrio pathogens. Of these, 128 case-patients were ex- als having compromised immune systems or medical disorders. posed as a result of various activities such as accidents incurred Physicians should recognize the importance of obtaining a thor- while boating, handling raw seafood and seafood drippings as well ough patient history in relation to the endemicity of vibrio infec- as lacerations sustained during a fishing/shrimping event. The age tions in Louisiana. There is an emphasis for clinicians to provide range of wound associated case patients was from 11 to 83 years of the community with health risk information to those identified as age with a mean of 51 years. Cellulitis (77%) was the most fre- most likely to develop infections and severe complications. Pa- quently reported symptom followed by fever (67%), muscle aches tients with liver or immune dysfunctions should be warned to avoid (35%) and bullae (28%). One hundred eighteen (83%) case-patients raw molluscan seafoods, such as oysters. Early detection and ini- required hospitalization with a mean duration of illness of thirteen tiation of antimicrobial therapy for invasive V. vulnificus infections days. Ten (8%) deaths were reported among wound patients. Eighty- remain as an aggressive approach due to the rapid progression from seven of the 144 cases had a history of underlying conditions at the clinical illness to death. time of vibrio exposure. These included heart disease (41%), diabe- The seawater exposure data in this report associated with vibrio tes (30%), alcoholism (28%) and liver disease (27%). V. vulnificus wound infections suggests that it is also necessary to inform such and V. parahaemolyticus accounted for 83% of the vibrio species high risk patients to avoid seawater or brackish water exposure and identified among wound patients with the majority attributed to V. discourage such contact for “therapeutic” purposes. Persons-at- vulnificus. risk of acquiring vibrio wound infections through percutaneous exposures via occupational or recreational contact should
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]
  • 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.
    [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]