Florida: New Vibrio vulnificus case reported from Collier County, brings state total to 33
The Florida Department of Health (FL-DOH) has reported today a patient from Collier County, Florida has contracted an infection with the bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus.
Image/CDC
Health officials say the individual was infected through seawater exposure in a open wound in the Marco Island area. The patient has recovered from the illness.
This new confirmed case from Collier County brings the statewide total up to 33, the number of fatalities remain at 10.
FL-DOH officials say people can get infected with Vibrio vulnificus when they eat raw shellfish, particularly oysters. The bacterium is frequently isolated from oysters and other shellfish in warm coastal waters during the summer months. 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.
They offer the following tips on preventing this potentially very serious infection:
- Do not eat raw oysters or other raw shellfish.
- Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly.
- For shellfish in the shell, either a) boil until the shells open and continue boiling for 5 more minutes, or b) steam until the shells open and then continue cooking for 9 more minutes. Do not eat those shellfish that do not open during cooking. Boil shucked oysters at least 3 minutes, or fry them in oil at least 10 minutes at 375°F.
- Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood.
- Eat shellfish promptly after cooking and refrigerate leftovers.
- Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water, or to raw shellfish harvested from such waters.
- Wear protective clothing (e.g., gloves) when handling raw shellfish.
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[…] Florida: New Vibrio vulnificus case reported from Collier County, brings state total to 33 – The Florida Department of Health (FL-DOH) has reported today a patient from Collier County, Florida has contracted an infection with the bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus. Health officials say the individual was infected through seawater exposure in a open … […]
[…] Florida: New Vibrio vulnificus case reported from Collier County, brings state total to 33 – The Florida Department of Health (FL-DOH) has reported today a patient from Collier County, Florida has contracted an infection with the bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus. Health officials say the individual was infected through seawater exposure in a open … […]