A 77-year-old man, Basil Kennedy, has died from complications of Vibrio vulnificus, a rare and deadly bacteria found in coastal waters. His death highlights the need for education about how to prevent infection through open wounds.
Kennedy did not contract the infection by swimming in water or eating raw seafood, but rather by having contaminated soil and water on his trailer, which he had recently used to launch a boat in water. The bacteria caused severe symptoms, including organ failure, and Kennedy died on July 21 after receiving treatment from hospitals in Bay St. Louis and New Orleans.
Kennedy’s case underscores a widespread misunderstanding of how Vibrio vulnificus can be contracted. People with open wounds should be cautious when swimming in brackish or warm coastal waters or handling raw seafood, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Vibrio vulnificus infections can also lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a severe bacterial infection that kills the flesh around an open wound.
Basil Kennedy’s family hopes his death will help spread awareness and education about Vibrio vulnificus, without instilling fear of water. They say their father always wanted to give back to the community and had a servant’s heart.
If you notice symptoms of Vibrio after being near water or seafood, such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever or skin lesions, seek immediate medical attention.
Source: https://www.nola.com/news/gulf_coast/ms-death-vibrio/article_eeeba7d0-0a41-4b92-bbf6-518ba6b4764c.html