Cameron Parish, LA (KPLC) – It’s not the first thing that comes to mind when going to the beach or fishing, but the doctors say it’s something you should keep in mind. Flesh-eating bacteria appear earlier than in previous summers.
“This infection will go away from a fun day at the beach to an extremely painful wound within a few hours. Overnight sepsis, septic shock and aggressive treatment is possible to try to do what is possible to save lives and tissues,” said Dr Stephen Castleberry at West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital.
That’s exactly what happened to Jessie Abshire, who is currently recovering in the ICU after contracting flesh-eating bacteria while going crabs in Cameron Parish.
“It’s not long in the water. It’s only been a few hours we’ve been there the most,” says Jessie’s wife, Belinda Abshire.
Now Jessie’s wife and daughter are sharing his story in the hope it can save someone from suffering like him, calling it a near-death experience and saying it can happen. with anyone.
“Slowly it gets better every day. We have a long road ahead of us,” said Amanda Savoie, daughter of Jessie.
Belinda said: “Who would have thought we were crabbing in ankle-deep water, and then two days later he died in the hospital.
The flesh-eating bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, can affect the gut, but Dr. Castleberry said this time of year they are most worried about skin infections.
“What we’re worried about is anyone who’s immunocompromised, so even diabetes, mild liver disease when the patient isn’t aware of it, and any tear in the skin, even a scar a few days old tattoo, a small cut that you can say Dr. Castleberry.
Dr Castleberry said the bacteria appeared about four to six weeks earlier than he had seen in previous summers and he is advising people to take extra care if they go to the beach this summer.
“Whenever you’re in brackish water, bay water, during these times of the month, you don’t need to rinse off after leaving the beach. If you have any new type of wound, don’t get into the water,” says Dr.
He recommends washing the abrasion with soap and water right after – if you get a scratch from a rock or a wound from a hook or net. Of course, if the wound is increasingly painful, seek medical attention immediately.
“When in doubt, go see someone quickly,” says Dr. Castleberry.
Jessie’s family said they were grateful for what doctors called a miraculous recovery after they feared he might not make it. They say the outpouring of thoughts and prayers from the community has been of great help in getting through this difficult time.
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