MUSC Reports 3 Vibrio Cases as Charleston Harbor Study Finds Summer Spike
Updated
Updated · Live 5 News WCSC · Aug 20
MUSC Reports 3 Vibrio Cases as Charleston Harbor Study Finds Summer Spike
3 articles · Updated · Live 5 News WCSC · Aug 20
Summary
MUSC Health has treated three Vibrio vulnificus cases this season, with doctors warning a small blister after saltwater exposure can progress to amputation within hours.
Three years of weekly sampling in Charleston Harbor found the bacterium is already present there and surges in June through August, with counts closely tied to warmer water.
Researchers said Vibrio appears when water reaches about 72 degrees and shows up in every sample around 77 degrees, making summer the peak risk period.
Doctors said infections usually come from contaminated seafood or cuts sustained in brackish or saltwater, with immunocompromised people facing higher risk and any post-exposure skin infection warranting an ER visit.