Maryland is home to over 3,000 miles of coastline, offering recreational and commercial access to the Atlantic Ocean as well as the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Vibrio bacteria naturally occur in these brackish and salt waters, especially during warm weather months. The range and season of Vibrio may be increasing as coastal waters become warmer.
Vibrio bacteria can cause severe gastrointestinal, skin, and bloodstream infections. Vibrio infections are rare, but they can progress rapidly and quickly become life-threatening if left untreated. People with liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and weakened immune systems as well as people taking stomach acid reducers are at increased risk of severe infection. However, even healthy individuals can develop serious infections.
People can contract Vibrio skin infections when an existing wound comes into contact with water, an injury occurs in the water, or a cut occurs on something from the water. In Maryland, this sometimes happens when people handle live crabs or crab traps. Vibrio infection can also spread through eating raw or undercooked shellfish, often oysters.
You can take simple steps to protect yourself against Vibrio infection:
- Avoid water contact if you have any skin wounds.
- If water contact cannot be avoided, cover wounds with waterproof bandages.
- Clean wounds immediately with soap and clean water after contact. If soap and clean water are not available, clean the wound with hand sanitizer and then wash as soon as possible.
- Wear water shoes and protective clothing to avoid cuts and scrapes.
- Wear gloves and use caution when handling raw shellfish or crabs and their drippings, crab pots, or other equipment.
- Always shower after swimming in natural waters and wash hands before handling food or eating.
If signs or symptoms of a skin infection occur after contact with the water, see a healthcare provider right away and let them know if you came into contact with brackish or salt water.
If you develop a wound with fever, unusual redness, swelling, blistering, or drainage after water contact, you may have a serious infection like Vibrio. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY and let your healthcare provider know if you came into contact with brackish or salt water.
