I spotted the following Urgent Notification on Eden District Municipality's website after seeing an article in the George Herald (see subsequent post). If you swim or wade in any of the local estuaries - including the Great Brak River - please exercise caution.
URGENT NOTIFICATION
Thursday, 11 February 2016
A relatively fit 81 year old Caucasian male died on Friday, 5 February 2016 after swimming in the Kaaimans River and died within 72 hours, after admission to the George Medi-Clinic Hospital. Microbiological testing of the wound area of the diseased confirmed that the bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus was present. According to the CDC in the USA, the mortality rate after Vibrio vulnificus infection is between 36%-50%.
This bacteria is found naturally worldwide in warm coastal waters and there is no association with sewage contamination. Vibrio vulnificus infection is not a notifiable disease in RSA, but in the USA (Atlanta Georgia) is it notifiable.
For the bacteria to increase to the point where it can cause harm to humans, the water temperature should be between 20⁰C and 31⁰C. The salinity of the water should also be not too salt or too fresh, i.e. brackish water normally found around the point of interface between the oceanic water and rivers. Transmission is from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters harvested from warm waters. Infections may occur when open soft tissue wounds are exposed to warm estuaries (If the person is immune compromised the risk of infection is increased).
The Eden Environmental Health section has indicated that for the time being no beaches will be closed or official warning signage will be erected, their actions will be limited to public awareness and education as well as the inclusion of testing for the bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, as part of their current water sampling program. In addition they will also focus their sampling on areas where the water temperature as well as salinity levels could be conducive to the multiplication of the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus.
For any further information, please contact:
Mr. Clive Africa – Executive Manager: Community Services, contact number 083 253 3928 or Mr. Johan Compion – Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Services, contact number 082 803 5161.
END
Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 February 2016 )
PRESS RELEASE - VIBRIO VULNIFICUS
Thursday, 11 February 2016
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium found naturally worldwide in warm coastal waters. It is a rare cause of disease. There is no association with sewage contamination.
Transmission is from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters harvested from warm waters. Infections may occur when open soft tissue wounds are exposed to warm estuaries.
Persons with underlying medical conditions, any chronic condition especially liver disease and diabetes, may be at increased risk of serious infection. Infections are seasonal and 85% occur in the summer months. Transient environmental factors such as warm water and moderate salinity can increase the number of Vibrio vulnificus in shellfish.
Infection may occur in a pre-existing wound and cause soft tissue infection with severe pain or cause diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Any of these symptom need medical attention.
(Please add table 3: Recommendations for reducing the risk of Vibrio vulnificus infection)
For any further information, please contact:
Mr. Clive Africa – Executive Manager: Community Services, contact number 083 253 3928 or Mr. Johan Compion – Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Services, contact number 082 803 5161.
END
Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 February 2016 )
Thursday, 11 February 2016
A relatively fit 81 year old Caucasian male died on Friday, 5 February 2016 after swimming in the Kaaimans River and died within 72 hours, after admission to the George Medi-Clinic Hospital. Microbiological testing of the wound area of the diseased confirmed that the bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus was present. According to the CDC in the USA, the mortality rate after Vibrio vulnificus infection is between 36%-50%.
This bacteria is found naturally worldwide in warm coastal waters and there is no association with sewage contamination. Vibrio vulnificus infection is not a notifiable disease in RSA, but in the USA (Atlanta Georgia) is it notifiable.
For the bacteria to increase to the point where it can cause harm to humans, the water temperature should be between 20⁰C and 31⁰C. The salinity of the water should also be not too salt or too fresh, i.e. brackish water normally found around the point of interface between the oceanic water and rivers. Transmission is from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters harvested from warm waters. Infections may occur when open soft tissue wounds are exposed to warm estuaries (If the person is immune compromised the risk of infection is increased).
The Eden Environmental Health section has indicated that for the time being no beaches will be closed or official warning signage will be erected, their actions will be limited to public awareness and education as well as the inclusion of testing for the bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, as part of their current water sampling program. In addition they will also focus their sampling on areas where the water temperature as well as salinity levels could be conducive to the multiplication of the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus.
For any further information, please contact:
Mr. Clive Africa – Executive Manager: Community Services, contact number 083 253 3928 or Mr. Johan Compion – Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Services, contact number 082 803 5161.
END
Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 February 2016 )
PRESS RELEASE - VIBRIO VULNIFICUS
Thursday, 11 February 2016
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium found naturally worldwide in warm coastal waters. It is a rare cause of disease. There is no association with sewage contamination.
Transmission is from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters harvested from warm waters. Infections may occur when open soft tissue wounds are exposed to warm estuaries.
Persons with underlying medical conditions, any chronic condition especially liver disease and diabetes, may be at increased risk of serious infection. Infections are seasonal and 85% occur in the summer months. Transient environmental factors such as warm water and moderate salinity can increase the number of Vibrio vulnificus in shellfish.
Infection may occur in a pre-existing wound and cause soft tissue infection with severe pain or cause diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Any of these symptom need medical attention.
(Please add table 3: Recommendations for reducing the risk of Vibrio vulnificus infection)
For any further information, please contact:
Mr. Clive Africa – Executive Manager: Community Services, contact number 083 253 3928 or Mr. Johan Compion – Manager: Municipal Health and Environmental Services, contact number 082 803 5161.
END
Last Updated ( Thursday, 11 February 2016 )
