KEEP THIS WATER BUG AT BAY

Delaware's Division of Public Health advises anyone who spends time in coastal waters or dines on shellfish to take a few simple steps to avoid illness from Vibrio bacteria which become more common in marine and brackish waters this time of year. People can become infected with Vibrio after eating uncooked oysters, clams, mussels and other shellfish and by exposing open sores or burns to coastal waters. Crabs, lobster and shrimp are not associated with this illness.

Vibrio bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness in individuals who have eaten contaminated shellfish from various sources nationwide. For 2010, 4 cases of Vibrio infection have been reported in Delaware. Five cases were reported statewide in 2009.

Vibrio bacteria do not change the appearance, taste, or odor of oysters or clams. Properly cooking shellfish as follows is the only reliable way to prevent this illness from food:

• Anyone who works in, swims in or harvests seafood from coastal waters should wash their hands thoroughly before cooking or eating.
• Live oysters or clams should be boiled three to five minutes after their shells open.
• Using a small pot to boil or steam oysters is recommended for thorough cooking.
• Discard any oysters that do not open during cooking.
• Shucked oysters or clams should be boiled or simmered at least three minutes or until the edges curl.
• Shellfish may also be fried in oil for three minutes at 375 degrees, broiled three inches from the heat for three minutes or baked in a 450 degree oven for 10 minutes.
• Eating raw oysters or clams with hot sauce, or while drinking alcohol, does not prevent illness. Take these steps to avoid Vibrio illness when spending time in coastal waters.
• Cover wounds with water-proof bandages.
• Carry hand sanitizer so that wounds can be cleansed immediately.
• Shower following contact with natural waters.
• Wear water shoes while wading to avoid cutting feet.

SIGNS OF INFECTION

Symptoms of foodborne Vibrio can include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, severe weakness, skin rashes, blisters, shaking, chills and high fever. Serious complications are more likely to occur in individuals with liver disease, diabetes, cancer or in people taking certain medications, such as stomach acid reducers. If you have any of these symptoms after consuming shellfish, see a health care provider for treatment.

Anyone noticing redness or swelling of wounds after spending time in coastal waters should promptly see a doctor or health care provider. For information, contact DPH's Communicable Disease Bureau at 302-744-1050.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.