Despite Bacteria Scare, Local Waters Generally Safe For Swimming

OCEAN CITY — Despite a handful of regional and national incidents of Vibrio bacteria infections, the chances of contracting the so-called “flesh-eating virus” locally remains remote although some common-sense safety tips should be observed.

With documented cases of Vibrio being reported seemingly daily up and down the east coast and in the Gulf of Mexico including one reported incident in the Delaware Bay, there does not appear to be a spike in the presence of the bacteria locally in the coastal bays and its tributaries. Nonetheless, certain strands of Vibrio are likely present in local waters where people tend to swim and recreate and a few common-sense measures can help insulate residents and visitors from contracting the illness associated with the bacteria.

According to the Worcester County Health Department, Vibrios are bacteria that occur naturally in estuarine and marine waters and belong to the same family of bacteria that causes cholera. However, there are over 80 species of Vibrio bacteria and only a handful are known to cause infection when people are exposed by open wounds, cuts or scratches while swimming, wading, crabbing or fishing. In short, not all strains of Vibrios cause human illness.

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