Recently, the #2岁幼童感染创伤弧菌面临截肢#的话题登上热搜 has aroused people's attention.
A 2-year-old boy suspected of having come into contact with fish in a vegetable market was infected with Vibrio vulnificus, and his right foot was facing amputation, and he spent 80,000 yuan in hospital for 5 days.
Coincidentally, last year, there were also a number of patients infected with Vibrio vulnificus who were stabbed by seafood, and one of them was a Shenzhen man who unfortunately died.
So what kind of bacterium is Vibrio vulnificus, and why is it so serious?
01
The "silent killer of the sea" is dangerous!
Vibrio vulnificus belongs to the Vibrio family, which is one of the three major infectious diseases in humans along with Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio enteritidis.
This bacterium is relatively rare but very dangerous and can be carried by marine organisms such as marine fish, shrimp, crabs, shellfish, sea urchins and more. Because of its strong toxicity, it is also known as the "silent killer of the ocean".
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that lives in warm seawater, known for its virulence and high mortality rate, and is mostly active in March ~ November, especially in summer.
The incubation period of Vibrio vulnificus is an average of 24 hours. About 50% to 70% of patients will develop local skin swelling and significant pain within a day or two, and the skin around the wound or at the end of the infected limb will be black-purple with blisters.
Infected patients are often accompanied by fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, hypotension and other symptoms, and the disease progresses rapidly.
If not seen in time, severe cases can develop muscle necrosis and sepsis, and even have the risk of amputation and multi-organ failure. The mortality rate of shock patients is as high as 50%~75%.
02
Why do I get infected with Vibrio vulnificus?
01
The wound is in direct contact with seawater or seafood contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus
If a person's hand is pricked while handling fresh seafood, Vibrio vulnificus bacteria on the surface of the seafood can "take advantage of the gap" in the wound and enter the bloodstream to cause infection.
If you swim or play in the sea with a wound on your skin, you can also get infected with this bacteria.
02
Eat raw or undercooked seafood contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus
Eating raw seafood may also cause Vibrio vulnificus infection. In addition, drinking seawater with Vibrio vulnificus bacteria also has a chance of infection.
3
Three categories of susceptible populations
Secondly, not all people will be infected. It has to do with the health of the person.
In general, small amounts of Vibrio vulnificus do not pose any threat to people with strong immunity. And people with weakened immunity become the target of Vibrio vulnificus.
So, who are the susceptible populations?
(1) People with liver disease:
People who have been drinking heavily for a long time are likely to have liver disease, so "alcoholics" are a susceptible group to Vibrio vulnificus. In addition, patients with chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis are also susceptible.
(2) People with chronic diseases:
People like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cancer can cause impaired immune system function, resulting in low immunity, and these patients should also take care to avoid exposure to Vibrio vulnificus.
(3) People who have been taking drugs that reduce immunity for a long time:
Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, for example, can damage the body's immune system.
These people are at high risk of Vibrio vulnificus infection.
3
How can I avoid Vibrio vulnificus infection?
01
Reduce the risk of foodborne infections
Eat less raw and cold seafood, try to eat seafood after cooking, and avoid drinking seawater.
02
Handle seafood with gloves
It's a good idea to wear gloves when washing seafood.
3
Do not touch seawater if you have a wound
Avoid exposing open wounds or broken skin to warm, salty waters, or areas where shellfish are abundant.
04
How to deal with being accidentally stabbed by seafood?
01
Treat the wound
Vibrio vulnificus is halophilic and should never be sprinkled with saline or salt on the wound to avoid aggravating the infection.
Once you are stabbed by crab legs, shrimp bones, etc., rinse the wound with water in time and disinfect it with alcohol.
02
If these conditions occur, seek medical attention immediately
If you have symptoms such as skin pain, itching, swelling, diarrhea and fever after being exposed to seawater, eating seafood, or being stabbed by seafood or sharp stones in the sea, you should seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor of your recent medical history of exposure to seawater or seafood, so as not to delay diagnosis and treatment.
Source: Health Talk