So, as if we don't have enough to worry about.. Has anyone heard about this virus??

[manlystanley]

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2018/0...-crabbing.html

More information: http://www.marylandhealthybeaches.com/vibrio.html

Do you guys take any precautions?? Us guys in Kayaks are always getting wet.

Best Regards,
Stan

[Memory Maker]

Yes ..........vibrio has been in the bay for years and seems to get worse every year. Some carry peroxide to wash out any cuts they may have but I’m not sure it works. This stuff is extremely bad. If you have any symptoms then get to the hospital FAST .......... if you wait even a day, you could die. There are several stories that have been posted on Tidalfish over the years and none are pleasant.

[Mark]

Stan,

I actually mentioned the Vibrio bacteria in my book. It's a threat here during our warm water season. The Vibrio bacteria which thrives in warm estuarine waters has many forms and some can cause illness in humans. It can enter our bodies via cuts and open wounds when they are exposed to waters containing the bacteria. I wrote in my book that I carry a small first-aid kit on my outings with alcohol pads and antiseptic ointment to immediately cleanse any cuts I may obtain while fishing. I bandage them when possible on the water and reclean the wound(s) thoroughly when I get home. I have indeed been cut by hooks and the dorsal fins of fish while on the water and I have taken the precautions described above.

[brianisoutside]

Keep a small hand sanitizer bottle in my pfd


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[rugbyfish]

Keep a small hand sanitizer bottle in my pfd

I do the same. I also carry a small first aid kit. It never hurts to err on the side of caution.

[yakscientist]

I do the same. I also carry a small first aid kit. It never hurts to err on the side of caution.

I also do this. Fishing is one of the only times I ever use sanitizer. And I typically use it after every couple of fish, especially in the summer, and just give my hands a liberal dousing of it. I apply it even more heavily if I think I've been pricked or cut.

[bluefishnc]

I worry about it some but it is really a major threat if you are immune compromised or on the older or younger end of the spectrum. Obviously anyone can still get it but of the literally millions of people who use the bay system yearly only a handful actually ever get a serious case of it. That said, it is certainly good to take precautions but don't stop fishing because of it. I've probably broken my skin on the water on a fish or other object somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 times in the past 35 years (150 to 300 scrapes and cuts a year) and have only ever had 2 or 3 infections that required antibiotics. Probably lucky but I just can't get used to wearing gloves.

[Mark]

I worry about it some but it is really a major threat if you are immune compromised or on the older or younger end of the spectrum.

That's true. The unfortunate gentleman described in the first link cited by Stan has prior health issues. Also, I've read that people over 60 years of age may be at added risk. If you get even a hint of the symptoms, seek medical help and be sure to tell the doctors that you have spent time on the water. That will help them to zero in on possibilities and start treatments which could preclude a progression of the illness to its worst form.

[mchottie]

Mark - Finally there's a 'positive' of being part of the YGWLTF not the OGWLTF !

Hah!

[manlystanley]

Stan,

I actually mentioned the Vibrio bacteria in my book.

Now, that you mention it, I remember reading that. But, when I read the article about the poor guy loosing all his arms and legs, that really hit me. I for one, would be much happier with the thought of dying (with lot's of legal dope), then living the rest of my life being such a burden on my family.

Best regards,
Stan

[manlystanley]

I do the same. I also carry a small first aid kit. It never hurts to err on the side of caution.

OK, I'm convinced I'm getting a bottle and attaching it to my PFD. I also, just wash-up before going to work, I'm thinking about taking a shower when I get to work (they have a gym).

Best Regards,
Stan

[Mark]

Mark - Finally there's a 'positive' of being part of the YGWLTF not the OGWLTF !

Hah!

Yes Michael. But just remember that experience, treachery and deceit will defeat youthful exuberance in most other matters.

[bignose]

As if the Bay wasn't a bad enough source, be aware that this bacteria as well as Mycobacteria can be found in aquariums.
It causes ulcers and raw spots in fish, and can infect you just as badly as what you can get from Bay water.
Scary stuff!

[john from md]

I'm not a doctor but I have a simple plan of attack and several doctors at S.T. have agreed that it is a good one. Here it is.

Carry a small spray bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide and a tube of triple antibiotic cream along with some band aids (this fits in any 8 inch hatch). If you get any kind of injury that breaks the skin, spray with HP allowing it to run off. Dry and apply antibiotic cream and dressing. When you get home, clean and apply cream again. Keep watching for any redness. If you see any, go to the emergency room ASAP as this vibro works fast.

HP and antibiotic cream both have shelf lives so get new stuff when you need it as it is cheap.