Threat to Israel: Sea Bacteria Can Kill Within Days

Israelis are being warned about the dangers of the Vibrio vulnificus bacterium, which can enter the body through small wounds upon contact with seawater or raw fish. In Louisiana, nine cases of infection have been recorded since the start of the year, five of which resulted in death. The bacterium thrives in warm seawater and is associated with tilapia in Israel. Experts advise avoiding contact with water when having open wounds and purchasing cleaned fish.

The Israeli news portal 'Kursor' warns about the dangers of the Vibrio vulnificus bacterium, which can enter the body through small wounds upon contact with seawater or raw fish. The warning was prompted by the situation in the US state of Louisiana, where nine cases of infection have been recorded since the start of the year, five of which were fatal. This is significantly higher than the average over the previous ten years—seven cases and one death during the same period. The bacterium lives in marine and brackish water, multiplying especially actively in warm seasons. Infection can occur through cuts, abrasions, and also by consuming raw or undercooked seafood. In severe cases, the infection can lead to sepsis, requiring urgent surgical intervention, sometimes with amputation of affected tissues. In Israel, the bacterium is found in local water environments, including being associated with tilapia, known as musht. In the 1990s, a distinct variant—'biotype 3'—was discovered in the country, linked to severe injuries after trauma during fish handling. Several years ago, in Emek HaMaayanot, a fish farm worker became infected after an injury from tilapia. Experts advise buying fish from official outlets, choosing cleaned products, avoiding contact with raw fish for people with open wounds or weakened immune systems, and not entering the sea with skin damage. If redness, swelling, or pain appears after contact with water or fish, seek medical attention.