July 13, 2016

HEALTH OFFICIALS URGE RESIDENTS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID EXPOSURE TO VIBRIO VULNIFICUS

Contact:
Barry Inman, Epidemiology Manager
Barry.Inman@flhealth.gov
(321) 454-7101

Brevard County—The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County (DOH-Brevard) urges Floridians and visitors to the area to take precautions to avoid exposure to Vibrio vulnificus. Vibrio vulnificus can cause disease in those who eat contaminated seafood or expose an open wound to warm, brackish seawater. Ingestion of Vibrio vulnificus can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Vibrio vulnificus can also cause an infection of the skin when open wounds are exposed; these infections may lead to skin breakdown and ulcers.

"I encourage residents to practice good wound care, as it is the best way to prevent a bacterial skin infection,” stated DOH-Brevard Interim Administrator Miranda Hawker. “Keep open wounds covered with clean, dry bandages until healed and don't delay first aid of even minor, noninfected wounds like blisters, scrapes or any break in the skin."

Persons who have weakened immune systems, especially those with chronic liver disease, are at risk for Vibrio vulnificus infection when they eat raw shellfish, particularly oysters. People with these pre-existing medical conditions are 80 times more likely to develop Vibrio vulnificus blood infections than healthy people.

Tips for preventing Vibrio vulnificus infections include:

• Do not eat raw oysters or other raw shellfish.
• Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly.
• For shellfish in the shell, either a) boil until the shells open and continue boiling for 5 more minutes, or b) steam until the shells open and then continue cooking for 9 more minutes. Do not eat those shellfish that do not open during cooking. Boil shucked oysters at least 3 minutes, or fry them in oil at least 10 minutes at 375°F.
• Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood.
• Eat shellfish promptly after cooking and refrigerate leftovers.
• Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water, or to raw shellfish harvested from such waters.
• Wear protective clothing (e.g., gloves) when handling raw shellfish.g

For more information on Vibrio vulnificus, view the attached frequently asked questions.

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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