About this topic
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a germ that most often affects the belly. These germs live inside fish and shellfish. The germ is also found in other marine animals and in saltwater. ‚
View OriginalView Original
View OriginalView Original
View OriginalView Original
What are the causes?
You get this infection by eating raw shellfish or oysters. You can get this infection if you do not cook your shellfish all the way. The germs can get into your body if you have a sore and are in saltwater where the germ may live. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Watery stools
- Belly cramps or pain
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Fever
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history and do an exam. Your doctor will feel your belly to find out exactly where your belly hurts. The doctor will ask you about: ‚
- If you have eaten seafood lately
- If you have been swimming in salt water
- Your bowel movements
- How often you are throwing up
You may need to have tests like: ‚
- Stool exam
- Blood tests
- Wound culture
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Often, this illness does not need any treatment. It may go away on its own in 3 to 7 days. Your doctor will encourage you to drink plenty of fluids. This is to replace the fluids you are losing in your stools. You may need treatment if you keep throwing up or have bloody stools. Your doctor may order drugs to treat the illness. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Fluid loss
- Kidney problems
- Low red blood cells (anemia)
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Cook shellfish all the way.
- Avoid saltwater when you have an open skin tear or sore.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Stay away from caffeine and foods that are greasy, high in fiber, or sweet.
- Eat soft, bland foods like bananas, plain rice, boiled potatoes, toast, crackers, cooked carrots, and baked chicken without the skin or fat.
- Eat small meals every few hours instead of 3 big meals.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Lower fever
- Help with pain
- Stop throwing up
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Be careful when swimming in saltwater.
- Avoid swallowing water while swimming, boating, or doing recreational water activities.
- Protect others by not swimming when you or your child has loose stools. Do not swim for at least 2 weeks after loose stools stop.
- Change diapers in a bathroom, not at poolside or on the beach.
- If you have a skin wound, protect it with a waterproof bandage.
- Be careful when eating.
- Choose foods that are freshly cooked and served very hot.
- Do not eat food from street vendors.
- Avoid eating raw and undercooked fish, meat, and shellfish.
- Freeze or heat raw oysters before eating them.
- If you suspect that your drinking water may be contaminated, let it boil at more than 140 ‚ °F (60 ‚ °C) for at least 30 minutes.
- Follow good hygiene habits.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs. This is especially important:
- After using the bathroom or changing diapers
- Before eating
- Before cooking
- After working in the dirt
- Keep sick children away from daycare. This will prevent spreading the infection to others.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/vibriop/ ‚
Foodsafety.gov ‚
http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/bacteriaviruses/vibrio_infections/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚