DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — With many Wiregrass families making trips to the Gulf Coast during the final weeks of summer, Alabama health officials are warning beachgoers about a potentially deadly bacteria found in warm coastal waters.
The Alabama Department of Public Health has confirmed 16 cases of vibriosis in Alabama this year, including one death.
The illness is caused by Vibrio bacteria, which naturally live in coastal salt and brackish water. The bacteria become more common as water temperatures rise, with most infections occurring during the warmer months.
The warning is especially important for Wiregrass residents traveling to popular beaches along the Alabama and Florida Gulf coasts.
Some Vibrio infections can become severe and lead to necrotizing fasciitis, which destroys tissue around an infected wound. This has led to the bacteria commonly being described as “flesh-eating bacteria.”
“Vibrio are bacteria that naturally live in coastal water, and the bacteria can cause an illness called vibriosis,” Alabama Department of Public Health epidemiologist DeJuana Grant said.
“Coastal water includes salt water and brackish water. Vibrio can get inside an open wound and cause an infection.”
People with cuts, scrapes or other open wounds should avoid entering coastal waters. Recent tattoos and piercings can also create openings where bacteria may enter the body.
“Cover your wound with a waterproof bandage if it can come in contact with coastal waters,” Grant said. “If you have an open wound, the best preventative measure is to stay out of salt and brackish water.”
People can also become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.
Symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, chills and skin infections. Severe infections can become life-threatening, particularly for people with weakened immune systems or certain underlying health conditions.
For Wiregrass residents planning trips south to Panama City Beach, Destin, Fort Walton Beach or Alabama’s Gulf Coast, health officials recommend checking for cuts or wounds before entering the water and thoroughly cooking seafood.
Anyone who develops severe pain, redness, swelling, fever or other signs of infection after exposure to coastal water should seek medical attention quickly and tell their health care provider about the water exposure.
Health officials stress that Vibrio bacteria occur naturally in Gulf Coast waters. Taking precautions, particularly when someone has an open wound, can help reduce the risk of infection.
