Vibrio vulnificus

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About Vibrio vulnificus

It is a type of bacteria that can cause a fatal infection.
This infection can happen when a wound comes into contact with raw or undercooked seafood, its juices, or its drippings or with saltwater.
It eats away at the skin, muscles, nerves, fat and blood vessels around an infected wound.
In severe cases, it can lead to septicemia, which is when the bacteria enter the bloodstream.
It results in a septic shock, where blood pressure drops dangerously.
Signs and symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhea, often accompanied by stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
- For bloodstream infection: fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions
- For wound infection: Fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, and discharge (leaking fluids).
The only method available to avoid getting infected with the bacteria is to avoid coming in contact with it.
It is advised to make sure any seafood you consume is well-cooked, avoid raw or undercooked oysters and clean your hands after handling any kind of seafood.

Q1) What is sepsis?

It is a serious medical condition characterized by a widespread infection throughout the body. It occurs when harmful bacteria or other pathogens enter the bloodstream and trigger a systemic response from the body’s immune system. Septicemia can lead to a life-threatening condition if not promptly treated.

Source: CDC issues National Health Alert for infections caused by flesh-eating bacteria