In a heartbreaking incident, Laura Barajas, a 40-year-old woman from California, faced a life-altering series of events after eating a tilapia fish bought from the local market, resulting in the amputation of all four limbs in a life-saving surgery.
According to Barajas' friend, Anna Messina, she contracted Vibrio vulnificus, a lethal bacterium present in raw seafood and seawater. She disclosed to KRON that Barajas fell ill a few days after consuming fish she bought from a local San Jose market. Messina described the severity of her condition, saying that she was put into a medically induced coma. Her fingers, feet, and bottom lip turned black, and she developed full-blown sepsis with kidney failure.
UCSF Infectious Disease Expert Dr. Natasha Spottiswoode explained that one can become infected with this bacteria by consuming something contaminated with it, and the other way involves having a cut or tattoo exposed to water in which this bug resides. She added that it is a concerning infection for those with compromised immune systems.
According to the health advisory released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Vibrio vulnificus is known to cause life-threatening infections. About 150–200 infections are reported to the CDC each year and about one in five people who get infected with the illness die whereas many require intensive care or surgical tissue removal.
Vibrio vulnificus usually thrive in warmer water and in low-salt marine environments like estuaries. It is mainly transmitted through open-wound contact with salty water and can infect people who eat raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.
Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection include loose stools, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and fever. An infected wound may display redness, pain, swelling, discoloration, and discharge, according to the department
The CDC warned people who are at increased risk for Vibrio vulnificus infection to exercise caution when engaging in coastal water activities.
Messina initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support medical expenses while the family awaits further details and guidance on the situation.
(Input from Various Media Sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Shelja Chauhan)