Beachgoers urged not to enter water with open wounds after Rhode Islander dies from rare infection
by: Sarah Doiron
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reminding beachgoers not to go into the water with an open wound after a resident died from a rare infection.
The Rhode Islander, who has not been identified, passed away this month from a bacterial infection called vibriosis.
Vibrio bacteria live in warm seawater and brackish water, which is a mixture of salt and fresh water, according to RIDOH. The bacteria is normally found in high concentrations between May and October.
Beachgoers with open wounds, including recent cuts, scrapes, surgery sites, piercings, or tattoos, are urged not to go into the water.
“It is important for anyone at risk to take precautions while spending time in or around brackish water or salt water when the weather is warm,” R.I. Health Director Jerry Larkin said. “Stay out of the water and take precautions if you have a break in the skin or an open wound, particularly if you are at higher risk for serious illness.”
Though vibriosis is rare, RIDOH said it can be extremely dangerous for those with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions. Vibriosis can also lead to sepsis, which is a life-threatening complication that happens when one’s immune system responds improperly to an infection.
The two most common ways to contract Vibrio are through wound exposures and through eating raw or undercooked seafood, according to RIDOH.
Vibriosis rarely results in death, especially in those who are otherwise healthy, though cases can range from mild to severe. Symptoms typically include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, headaches, swollen wounds, abdominal cramps and watery or bloody diarrhea.
The last time someone in Rhode Island was diagnosed with a vibriosis infection was in 2017, according to RIDOH.
Though anyone can get vibriosis, those with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain medications are at increased risk of infection and complications:
- Having liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV or thalassemia;
- Receiving immune-suppressing therapy for the treatment of disease;
- Taking medication to decrease stomach acid levels;
- Having undergone recent stomach surgery.
The best way to avoid a vibriosis infection is to avoid contact with seawater or brackish water.
Here are some other ways to prevent vibriosis:
- Anyone who suffers an open wound while in the water should get out immediately.
- Wash open wounds and cuts thoroughly after coming into contact with seawater or brackish water.
- If an open wound may come into contact with Vibrio bacteria, cover it completely with a waterproof bandage.
- Seek medical attention immediately for infected wounds.