Saltwater flesh eating bacteria

[padrediver]

Anyone hear about the Texas dentist who died from saltwater
flesh eating bacteria. News reports here in Texas say it's the seventh case this year. Is this happening in other areas? Is it being covered up. I mean, I'm just getting back into diving
for the fourth time in thirty eight years and this one has me spooked. I'm having visions of climbing the dive boat ladder looking like the creature from the black lagoon!

 

[Kim]

Here's a link I just found on Google with the story:
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/cgi-bin/news/newsbrief.cgi?id=1092489701&fa=1

 

[Xanthro]

Yes, there is a bacteria in saltwater that can kill you. It's spread via contact with an open wound, usually by slipping and scrapping yourself near shore. I'll get the name of the bacteria for you, it's momentarily slipped my mind.

If you get a wound in saltwater that doesn't seem to heal right, immediately see a doctor.

Xanthro

 

[Xanthro]

Its Vibrio vulnificus, related to cholera (vibrio cholera). It can enter the blood and become very dangerous.

You can also get infected by eating raw oysters and other seafood.

Here's more information http://www.scuba-doc.com/marinf.htm

Now, it's unlikely you actually encounter this, so I wouldn't be overly concerned.

Xanthro

 

[GrierHPharmD]

vibrio vulnificus, according to the link. Nasty stuff.

-G

 

[H2Andy]

they had a story about it in this month's Alert Diver (DAN)

nasty stuff

 

[DandyDon]

Its Vibrio vulnificus, related to cholera (vibrio cholera). It can enter the blood and become very dangerous.

You can also get infected by eating raw oysters and other seafood.

Here's more information http://www.scuba-doc.com/marinf.htm

Now, it's unlikely you actually encounter this, so I wouldn't be overly concerned.

Xanthro

Excuse me...?! "Not very likely..."

Excerpting from KimLeece's link:

Creamer is the seventh vibrio-related death in Texas this year, according to the Texas Department of Health. The federal Centers for Disease Control said a typical year brings 16 vibrio-related deaths in the Gulf Coast states.

Health experts said the bacteria is common in the Gulf and most prevalent in coastal and bay waters in warmer months. The bacteria can be ingested in contaminated seafood or absorbed through skin wounds.

Okay, maybe it's really "not likely" that I'll get this wearing a Shorty suit, nor that I'll total my pickup on the hiway, but I'm still wearing Long Wetsuits and seatbelts. :11:

 

[Patch]

Wow, I have never heard of this, and here are two reports both back to back.

This from the Drudge site ...

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/front/2757889

Just got certified and looking forward to my first bought with this virus, if the sharks don't get me first ...

John

 

[widebody50]

Wow, I have never heard of this, and here are two reports both back to back.

This from the Drudge site ...

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/front/2757889

Just got certified and looking forward to my first bought with this virus, if the sharks don't get me first ...

John

Now there's a positive attitude!!!

 

[DandyDon]

Wow, I have never heard of this, and here are two reports both back to back.

This from the Drudge site ...

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/front/2757889

Just got certified and looking forward to my first bought with this virus, if the sharks don't get me first ...

John

Shark deaths average 5 a year, and I doubt many of them are divers. Little risk.

Falling coconuts are much more dangerous!