"Flesh-eating" bacteria scares shouldn't keep you off Texas beaches

[WestEndAngler]

https://www.tribtalk.org/2016/06/28/flesh-eating-bacteria-scares-shouldnt-keep-you-off-texas-beaches/

[Texascoonass]

A note for all. If you have diabetes, cancer, lymph edema, neuropathy, vascular disease, A.I.D.S. or some other condition that may weaken an otherwise healthy immune system, stay out of the bay and gulf waters. Necrotising fasciitis(a.k.a. flesh eating bacteria) is no joke and typically is easily defeated by a healthy immune system, but a compromised one is another story. So wear your waders and avoid exposing open wounds. With all the run-off from the wettest year in decades the bacteria levels are HIGH.

[Flounderpounder420]

Screw that, don't need to take any chances on getting sick or getting the kids sick or worse get a limb cut off. Just heading to Dallas to see family for the fourth.

[TroutSupport]

Guys, it's in the water every summer. I'm not saying it's not a concern, but even with higher levels of it, there is always a chance at getting it even with lower levels. Being smart and knowing what to do or not do is the key. Don't wet wade with sores and know that you can get sores while on the water.. even getting stuck by a shrimp horn on the water can be enough. So is getting your ankle rubbed raw by tiny bits of shell in your socks.

Know what to look for and what the symptoms are and take action even if you have any infection at all.. speed is your friend. Also be clear and tell attending dr. s that you were in Saltwater and want to be treated as if it is flesh eating bacteria. Make demands of those seeing you. The recent case was a guide in POC and the first staff members told him it wasn't and he made demands that they treat it like it was... he was right.

[westbaytroutassasin]

Your dead right no pun intended. I happened to bring this up to my doc a few days ago during a checkup. For some reason Ive just naturally gotten more paranoid about it lately as I had those nasty stitches in my leg from being stupid working on the deck and always seem to get some nasty dings and cuts on my legs or arms. Ive wet waded these waters since I was a child, I remember when we would get into the salt water to clear up cuts, acne, but now its so in your face all the time it gets you a bit gun shy. I have always kept antibacterial sprays and ointments and water proof band aides with me just in case but recently I was reading a post I think JT put up that said that bleach was your best defense with this bug. Is that true? I can remember Bruce got cut a couple years back and got pretty sick from it also. Its just so uncomfortable to wear those waders all damn summer but Ive just gotten weirded out by it lately.

[JT]

Bleach water will kill it. That's true.

Robalo use to fill up his bath tub nightly w bleach water back in the day after his nights out and soak. That's why he's still with us today.

[Robalo]

Bleach water will kill it. That's true.

Robalo use to fill up his bath tub nightly w bleach water back in the day after his nights out and soak. That's why he's still with us today.

Bill Clinton gave me the recipe on how many cups of bleach to add to the Tub. Look at him, he's still chasing girls while his wife lies constantly.

[TroutSupport]

Bleach will kill it but also kills tissue as well. Betadine Iodine kills it without killing your own flesh. I'm not saying don't use bleach if that's all you have.. use it.. that's the first thing to do. But if you're restocking your first aid kit, which we should all keep up to date with our wade gear, I'd suggest getting the Iodine.

[JT]

Florida Department of Health:



Vibrios are gram‐negative bacteria that are found in estuarine and marine environments1. They colonize filter feeding animals such as shellfish and can also be found free‐living in seawater. The optimal growing temperature is between 68‐95°F (20‐35°C), but it can grow at temperatures up to 105°F (41°C). In addition, the bacterium is halophilic2. Given their distribution, most infections occur in states surrounding the Gulf of Mexico1. The bacteria are highly susceptible to pH, cooking, and freezing and can be killed by common disinfectants such as bleach or alcohol2.



I also remember Mell Wader talking about a prescription pill you can take in advance of an infection.

I use bleach because it's handy and easily accessible; and I know it will kill it.

[52M-28]

I have a good friend who is currently being treated by a wound specialist, the doc. is also a wade fisherman.
This doctor's advice was to use bleach after you wade (the doc said he personally takes a bath with bleach added to the water after a wade). He said that we generally fight it with a healthy immune system, but we all have minor nicks or cut or abrasions that could be an entry point for bacteria. Again as many have said this bacteria has always been here but there is no reason not to be cautious. I am also going to add the Betadine Iodine to my first aid kit.

[JT]

the doc must of known Robalo back in the 80's then.

[westbaytroutassasin]

This is some good info. Releiving. I'm going to update my kit tomorrow. I just can't take another wade in those breathables . I'm loosing weight from all the sweating so I guess that's a positive.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk