Concerns About Vibrio Infection After Fishing: What You Need to Know

The possibility of Vibrio species in shrimp fishing ponds?

Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy question.
I would like to ask about an incident that occurred yesterday when I went to a shrimp fishing venue for the first time.
I accidentally got pricked by a fish hook on my hand and also got poked by a shrimp on my left finger.
There were no visible wounds or bleeding, and I did not perform any disinfection; I only washed my hands briefly before handling the seafood.
After grilling and eating just one shrimp, I started feeling very nauseous, with bloating and lower abdominal pain.
I did not experience diarrhea or vomiting, and even today, my gastrointestinal discomfort persists, although it is somewhat better than yesterday.
However, my finger still has a strange numbness.
I do not have a fever or swelling, so I visited a clinic to see a doctor.
The doctor was quite brief and suggested that I might have gastroenteritis from eating seafood.

My question is, could I have contracted Vibrio vulnificus from being poked by the shrimp or from consuming them? I have read a lot of information and feel a bit panicked.
Is there a need for a tetanus shot? I received one two years ago.
Currently, I am unsure if I have any liver disease or diabetes.
If I have concerns, which specialist should I see for the most appropriate care? The doctor I saw today did not provide me with any direction.
Thank you for your patience in reading my question.

Ms. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/01/09

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacterium commonly found in marine environments, and there are two main routes of infection.
The first is through the consumption of contaminated seafood, such as oysters, clams, and raw fish.
The second route is through direct infection via the skin, especially when there are existing wounds, allowing the bacterium to enter the body.

For infections acquired through ingestion, the incubation period is approximately 12 hours to 4 days, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
Not everyone is equally susceptible to Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections; individuals with weakened immune systems, those suffering from chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, diabetes, alcoholic hepatitis due to excessive drinking, renal failure patients, and those who frequently use steroids are particularly at risk.
Infections through wounds can lead to severe symptoms, including redness, swelling, and blistering of the skin within 12 hours, potentially progressing to necrotizing fasciitis.
If there are concerns, it is advisable to seek evaluation at an infectious disease clinic.
Online consultations do not equate to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2023/01/09

More Info

When it comes to concerns about Vibrio infections, especially after activities like fishing or handling seafood, it's important to understand the risks and how to monitor your health effectively. Vibrio species, particularly Vibrio vulnificus, are bacteria commonly found in warm seawater and can cause serious infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions.

From your description, it seems you experienced minor injuries from fishing, such as being pricked by a fish hook and possibly by shrimp. While these injuries may not have drawn blood or appeared severe, any break in the skin can potentially allow bacteria to enter the body. However, the absence of visible wounds and bleeding is a good sign. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as nausea, abdominal discomfort, and a feeling of bloating, could be related to several factors, including anxiety about the situation, mild foodborne illness, or even a reaction to the seafood consumed.

Monitoring Symptoms
1. Gastrointestinal Symptoms: The nausea and abdominal discomfort you are feeling could be due to a mild case of gastroenteritis, which can occur after consuming seafood. If you develop diarrhea, vomiting, or fever, it would be advisable to seek medical attention. These symptoms could indicate a more serious infection, including Vibrio.

2. Wound Care: Although you did not see any bleeding, it is still wise to monitor the area where you were pricked. Look for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult a healthcare provider.

3. Neurological Symptoms: The strange numbness or tingling in your finger could be due to nerve irritation from the injury or even anxiety. If this persists or worsens, it would be prudent to have it evaluated by a healthcare professional.

When to Seek Medical Attention
- If you experience fever, chills, or worsening abdominal pain.

- If you develop diarrhea, especially if it is severe or bloody.

- If the numbness in your finger does not improve or worsens.

- If you have any concerns about your overall health, especially if you suspect you might have underlying conditions like liver disease or diabetes.

Tetanus Vaccination
Regarding your question about tetanus vaccination, if you received a tetanus shot within the last five years, you are likely protected. However, if you are uncertain about your vaccination history or if it has been more than five years since your last booster, it may be wise to consult a healthcare provider about receiving a booster shot.

Recommended Specialists
Given your symptoms and concerns, you may want to consider seeing a few different types of specialists:
- Primary Care Physician: They can evaluate your overall health, assess your symptoms, and provide guidance on whether further testing or treatment is necessary.

- Infectious Disease Specialist: If there is a concern about a potential infection, especially with Vibrio, an infectious disease specialist can provide more targeted care.

- Gastroenterologist: If your gastrointestinal symptoms persist, a gastroenterologist can help diagnose and treat any underlying digestive issues.

Conclusion
In summary, while your risk of a Vibrio infection from the described activities may be low, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you notice any worsening or new symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Maintaining good wound care practices and being aware of your health status will help you manage any potential risks effectively. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.

Similar Q&A

Can You Get Vibrio Infection from a Fish Injury? Expert Insights

Hello, doctor: Today while I was organizing my refrigerator, I got pricked by a frozen fish bone. I immediately rinsed it with water and squeezed out the blood, and then I applied a topical antibiotic. Am I at risk of contracting Vibrio vulnificus?

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, theoretically, the likelihood of infection from being injured by a salted fish bone is higher if there is already a compromised immune system, such as in cases of diabetes or liver cirrhosis. It is advisable to monitor for any signs of fever or localized redness, swelling,...

Concerns About Wound Infection from Shellfish Exposure

Hello Doctor, not long ago while I was rinsing my mouth with water, the faucet next to me was being used to clean a container that previously held live clams, and I had a sore in my mouth at the same time. I would like to ask the doctor: 1) Is there a risk of infection from Vibri...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine
Dear Mr. KEN: 1. Theoretically, any wounds on the skin or mucous membranes can be susceptible to Vibrio vulnificus; however, not everyone will develop an infection. Those at higher risk include patients with liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, diabetes, alcoholism, kidney disease, stero...

Concerns About Vibrio Infection from Indirect Seafood Contact

Hello, Doctor. Here's the situation: last night (January 31), my mother handled raw fish and then touched the top part of my drink straw, which is the part that goes into my mouth. At that moment, I wiped the straw with a tissue before using it and took a few sips of the dri...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you have any doubts, you can consult a gastroenterologist. Especially if you experience fever, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, you should seek medical attention. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Tsai An-shun.

Understanding Foodborne Infection Risks: What to Watch For After Eating Raw Fish

Today, I suspect that my meal was contaminated with the blood of raw fish, but I ate it anyway. At first, I thought it was a sea fish, but later I found out it was a river fish (a bass from the market; I'm not sure if it's wild-caught or farmed, but the knife used to ki...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
There should be no risk; however, if diarrhea and fever occur, medical attention should be sought.