TITLE:
Vibrio vulnificus Disease Prevalence
AUTHORS:
Eric Hooper
KEYWORDS:
Vibrio, Vibrio vulnificus, Public Health Prevention, Global Warming, Oysters, Hurricanes, Rising Sea Temperatures, Surface Temperature, Open Wounds, Contaminated Water
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.10 No.11,
November
18,
2022
ABSTRACT: Vibrio vulnificus is a deadly disease that has been increasing in prevalence. In this study, we review both primary and secondary data to discuss the factors that are contributing to the increase of vibrio disease, causing a 41% increase between 1996 and 2005. It has also been shown that public health campaigns to limit vibrio infections have focused on raw seafood consumption. However, an estimated 42% of infections are now being caused by wound infection, rather than through contaminated seafood. This shows the disparities in addressing vibrio contamination through contaminated seawater and open wounds. This is particularly stressing as global warming is causing an increase in risk of contaminated seawater. Reasons for this increase are discussed, and also possible solutions are presented for public health interventions to help mitigate this rise in vibrio infections.