LEONARDTOWN, Md. - St. Mary's County Health Department (SMCHD) reminds residents about precautions to prevent tick-borne illness and vibrio infections. Though the weather may start to cool down, higher risks for these health conditions in Southern Maryland extend into the fall season.
When Vibrio bacteria come into contact with an open wound, they can cause serious infections. Wounds can get unusually red, swollen, and have drainage. Severe infection can even lead to intensive care, limb amputation, or death. People with liver disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems, iron overload disease (hemochromatosis), and those taking stomach acid reducers are at increased risk of severe infection.
Vibrio infection can occur from contact with the water or when people cut themselves on objects or shellfish that have come from the water. This sometimes happens when people handle live crabs or crab traps. Multiple types of vibrio infection can also come from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, often oysters. Vibrio infection this way can lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea but may also become more severe.
Some best practices for preventing Vibrio include:
If you develop a wound with unusual or expanding redness, swelling, or drainage, seek medical attention immediately and let your health care provider know if you recently came into contact with natural waters.
For more information on Vibrio, visit mde.maryland.gov/publichealth/Pages/Vibrio.aspx
Early symptoms of some common tick-borne illnesses include fever, headache, fatigue, joint pain, and possibly a rash. Not all people recognize or have symptoms. See your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms after visiting potentially tick-infested areas, spending time in local outdoor areas such as forests, backyards or trails, or getting a tick bite. Ticks in Maryland can cause a number of health conditions to be aware of, including:
Because there are currently no vaccines and limited treatment options for tickborne illness, avoiding tick bites may be the best way to reduce your risk. Tick bite prevention strategies include:
For more information on tick bites and tickborne illness, visit smchd.org/environmental/animal-nuisance/ticks.