Vibrio infections killed 3 North Carolinians this summer. Here's how to protect yourself

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Vibrio, a bacteria found in salty water and raw or undercooked shellfish, has killed three North Carolina residents so far this summer.

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) issued a statement about the deaths on Friday, July 28, and explained the dangers of swimming in saltwater or brackish water with open wounds or cuts.

Vibrio cases in North Carolina are rare, according to state health officials, with most cases reported during the warmed months -- between June and September. However, reports of the bacteria have increased over the decades, with its geographic range spreading up the East Coast as water temperatures rise.

Health officials say the three most recent Vibrio-related deaths happened in July 2023.

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"Two of the three cases had scratches that were exposed to brackish water in North Carolina and another east coast state," a news release said. "The third case also had brackish water exposure in North Carolina, however, the individual also consumed personally caught seafood that was not shared nor commercially distributed."

No links have been found between the cases and the areas where they were likely exposed to the bacteria, and the public health investigation remains ongoing, NCDHHS said.

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According to NCDHHS, since 2019, eight of the 47 reported Vibrio cases among North Carolina residents have been fatal. While healthy individuals typically develop mild illness, Vibrio infections can be severe or life-threatening for people with weakened immune systems or chronic liver disease.

State health officials say if you start to see signs of a skin infectionafter contact with brackish waters or seawater, you should contact your health care provider.

Other symptoms of Vibrio infection can include:

• diarrhea
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• nausea
• fever
• chills

NCDHHS recommends the following steps to reduce your likelihood of exposure and infection:

• 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.
• If you sustain any type of wound while in salt or brackish water (e.g., cutting your hand on a boat propeller or crab pot) immediately get out of the water and wash with soap and water.
• Wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and water after contact with saltwater, brackish water or raw seafood.
• Thoroughly cook all shellfish to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.