Residents In Shoreline Areas Warned Of Illness Caused By Bacteria In Salt Or Brackish Water

From the Town of Guilford:

September 14, 2020

Individuals are warned to take precautions against acquiring infection with Vibrio vulnificus when entering Connecticut coastal waters. Exposure to salt or brackish water while afflicted with pre-existing wounds or sustaining new wounds during activities such as swimming, clamming, crabbing and boating may lead to Vibrio infection. The bacteria, once inside the body, can infect the bloodstream causing septicemia. People with a V. vulnificus infection can get seriously ill and need intensive care or amputation. Symptoms of Vibrio include fever, chills and hypotension and distinctive bullous skin lesions.

You can reduce your chance of getting a Vibrio wound infection by following these tips:

• If you have a wound (including from a recent surgery, piercing, or tattoo), stay out of saltwater or brackish water, if possible. This includes wading at the beach.
• Cover your wound with a waterproof bandage if it could come into contact with saltwater, brackish water or raw or undercooked seafood and its juices. This contact can happen during everyday activities, such as swimming, fishing , clamming, crabbing or walking on the beach.
• If you are going clamming or crabbing make certain you wear adequate and substantial foot protection to prevent cut or scratch injuries from sharp objects submerged in the water.
• Wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and water after they have contact with saltwater, brackish water, raw seafood, or its juices.

Department of Public Health Information

This press release was produced by the Town of Guilford. The views expressed are the author's own.