A Silent Killer in the Waters: A Report of Two Cases of Vibrio vulnificus Bacteremia

TL;DR

This paper reports two cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections linked to floodwater after a hurricane, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and treatment.

Contribution

The study emphasizes the rising risk of Vibrio vulnificus due to climate change and hurricane-related flooding.

Findings

Two cases of Vibrio vulnificus bacteremia were successfully treated with antibiotics and one required surgical debridement.

Nonspecific symptoms and waterborne exposure were common in both cases.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent severe complications or death.

Abstract

In this case series, we report two unusual cases of Vibrio bacteremia due to exposure to floodwater after Hurricane Helene. This presentation is particularly alarming in light of growing evidence that warming ocean temperatures are contributing to stronger hurricanes, which, in turn, lead to more extensive flooding and storm surges, a trend that creates ideal conditions for the spread of waterborne pathogens such as Vibrio vulnificus. Previously, within the humid subtropical region, only a handful of cases have been documented over the past 20 years. With the increasing number of cases, it is now crucial to highlight the swift diagnosis and treatment of infection before the development of sequelae or mortality. In our two-case series, both patients initially presented with nonspecific symptoms of Vibrio bacteremia, with common waterborne exposure. Both cases were ultimately successfully treated with conventional therapy with doxycycline and a third-generation cephalosporin, and with only one patient requiring surgical debridement. Consequently, it is important to acknowledge the clinical signs and symptoms of Vibrio bacteremia, as a lack of prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe complications or even death.

Figures