The bacteria Vibrio has always been with us, Health First Medical Group Chief Medical Officer Timothy Laird, MD, explained to reporters on Wednesday. What a new study in the journal Water Research suggests is that Vibrio has become deft at attaching to sargassum and microplastics in the ocean picked up by sargassum and carried ashore, where it raises the risk of exposure anywhere humans coexist with sargassum.

Dr. Laird is an avid SCUBA diver who has practiced medicine overseas, including in the Caribbean and South Pacific.

“This bacteria has always been a concern of medical professionals when a wound may have been infected or acquired in the ocean or near an ocean,” said Dr.  Laird. “And so, this is not a new bacteria, but it’s a new aggressive ability for this bacteria to attach onto plastic and to be in our sargassum.”

The so-called flesh-eating strain, Vibrio vulnificus, generally cannot penetrate human skin, invading open wounds instead. Those with open wounds should exercise caution. Area residents with compromised immune systems should be particularly careful.

In 2022, the state Department of Health recorded four cases in Brevard County. Dr. Laird cautioned that Vibrio can also be introduced by eating raw or under-cooked seafood, particularly shellfish such as oysters.

Both Dr. Laird and the Florida Department of Health said it’s too early to determine if we’re experiencing a surge in Vibrio infections, but the department has recommended beach-goers avoid handling sargassum.

You can lower risk of infection by minding the following:

• Avoid exposing open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water.
• Avoid cross-contaminating ready-to-eat foods with raw shellfish and its juices.
• Eat shellfish promptly after cooking and refrigerate leftovers.
• Wear protective clothing (E.g. gloves) when handling raw shellfish. 

If you suspect you have been exposed or are experiencing any worrisome symptoms, see a healthcare provider immediately.

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