What are the symptoms of infection with the quot;flesh-eating bacteriaquot; from the Baltic Sea?

“Carnivorous bacteria” in the Baltic Sea – dangerous Vibrio vulnificus infections

Infection with the Vibrio vulnificus bacterium, often called the “flesh-eating bacteria”, can be very dangerous to human health.

This bacterium is found in marine environments, including the Baltic Sea, and can lead to serious infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems or skin wounds. In this article, we will discuss what the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection are and whether it can be cured.

What are the symptoms of vibrio vulnificus infection?

Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection may appear after eating contaminated sea food or through contact with sea water, especially if there are wounds on the skin. Here are the most common symptoms of infection:

• Fever: Infection often begins with a sudden increase in body temperature.
• Abdominal pain: Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting may occur.
• Skin swelling: Infection may cause swelling, redness and soreness of the skin around the wound or where the bacteria came in contact.
• Wounds and ulcers: The Vibrio vulnificus bacteria can cause painful skin ulcers or infection of existing wounds.
• Bacteremia: In some cases, the bacteria can penetrate the bloodstream, leading to bacteremia, i.e. infection of the entire body. This is a very serious condition and requires immediate medical intervention.

It is worth remembering that the symptoms of infection can be very different and depend on the degree of infection and the general health of the infected person. If you suspect a Vibrio vulnificus infection, consult your doctor immediately.

Can vibriosis be cured?

In case of Vibrio vulnificus infection, treatment is necessary. Many patients require hospitalization, especially if severe symptoms such as bacteremia occur. Treatment may include antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and other measures to control the infection.

Unfortunately, Vibrio vulnificus infection can be fatal, especially in people with a weakened immune system. Therefore, it is important not to ignore the symptoms and seek medical help immediately.

Your suggestions

To avoid Vibrio vulnificus infection, it is worth following several rules of hygiene and caution:

• Avoid eating raw or untested seafood.
• If you have open wounds or cuts, avoid contact with seawater, especially if there are places where bacteria can multiply, e.g. polluted waters.
• Wash wounds and cuts carefully and then disinfect them.
• If you have a weakened immune system, avoid swimming in seawater at times when the risk of infection is higher, such as on warm summer days.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about Vibrio vulnificus infections or other food and waterborne diseases, we recommend reading the following articles:

• “Rules for safe consumption of seafood” – learn how to minimize the risk of infections when eating seafood.
• “How to take care of hygiene when bathing in sea waters” – find out how to avoid infections during summer holidays at the seaside.
• “The body’s immunity – how to strengthen it?” – learn how to take care of your health and strengthen your immune system.

Remember that being aware of the risks and taking appropriate precautions can help you avoid infection with Vibrio vulnificus and other potentially dangerous bacteria.