First death of the season after Vibrio infection in the Baltic Sea

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The Baltic Sea is increasingly becoming the perfect environment for Vibrio bacteria. The bacteria thrive particularly well in brackish water with low salinity and a water temperature above 20 degrees Celsius. This makes many Baltic Sea beaches an ideal breeding ground. This fact has now proved fatal for a 68-year-old man from the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. He became infected with Vibrio bacteria and died as a result. According to the local State Office for Health and Social Affairs (Lagus), this is the first Vibrio death this bathing season and the 14th overall since 2003.

In 13 of these cases, however, the deceased had relevant pre-existing conditions that significantly increased the risk. This was also the case for the 68-year-old. According to Lagus, it could not be conclusively determined how he became infected.

According to Lagus, the risk of Vibrio infection now exists throughout the Baltic Sea region of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as well as along the entire Polish and Schleswig-Holstein Baltic Sea coast. Samples taken last week at all seven measuring stations between Boltenhagen, Rügen, and the island of Usedom tested positive for the flesh-eating bacteria. This is likely to remain the case until the end of the bathing season.

Scratches and abrasions can be enough

Even the most minor skin injuries, such as scratches and abrasions, can allow dangerous bacteria to enter the body, where, in the worst case, they can cause sepsis. Fever, chills, and painful skin inflammation and swelling are the symptoms of a Vibrio infection. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), 42 cases were reported in Germany last year, with two people dying.

The RKI is now warning of the reportable and potentially deadly bacteria, which have already been detected in the first patients this year. Wound infections with the Vibrio vulnificus species are hazardous, as they can lead to profound tissue necrosis within a very short time, according to the RKI. “Even a tiny number of bacteria can be enough to cause a wound infection.” Treatment is with antibiotics—the earlier, the better.

Eating raw seafood can also be potentially dangerous. That is why mussels and other shellfish should be eaten well-cooked; otherwise, there is a risk of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.