The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is warning residents about the dangers of exposing open wounds to saltwater or brackish water, following three recent deaths from Vibrio infections. Vibrio are bacteria found in warm seawater and can infect those with open wounds or those who eat raw or undercooked shellfish. Though rare in North Carolina, infections can be severe and have resulted in eight fatalities since 2019. The cases are most common from June through September.
The three most recent fatalities occurred in July 2023, two from scratches exposed to brackish water, and one from a person who also consumed personally caught seafood. Ongoing investigations have not found links between the cases.
Vibrio infections are generally mild but can be life-threatening for individuals with weak immune systems or chronic liver disease. Symptoms include skin infection signs, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, fever, and chills.
Preventative measures include avoiding saltwater or brackish water with open wounds, covering wounds with waterproof bandages, washing wounds immediately if sustained in such waters, and cooking all shellfish to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds.
Reports of Vibrio infections have been increasing, and the geographic range is spreading north on the East Coast of the U.S. due to rising water temperatures. As climate change continues to increase water temperatures, more cases are expected in previously unaffected areas.
You can find more information on Vibrio and how to stay safe on NCDHHS’s Division of Public Health website here.
