Grand Isle 'CAUTION'

6/14/11
My wife and I attended the N.O.E.A. fishing tournament from Thursday 6/2/2011 thru Saturday 6/4/2011 and had a great time with great people but the joy ended Saturday afternoon when my right ankle began to hurt and swell at about 1:00pm.

Within the hour I could barely stand on it and ended up lying in the bottom of the boat while my wife continued to fish. When my wife took a look at my ankle and how much it had swollen and turned red in such a short time, she demanded we leave Grand Isle and go to the hospital in Golden Meadow. By the time we arrived in G.M.(6:00pm) I had a fever of 101, extreme chills and was talking out of my head. The doctors there treated me with injections of anti-biotic and pain medication, gave me prescriptions for the same and sent me home.

After a 3 hour drive home my wife had to put me to bed, cover me with 4 blankets and a heating pad to stop the chills. The next morning the swelling and redness in my leg had more than tripled from the day before. My wife immediately took me to the St. Elizabeth Hospital, Emergency Room, in Gonzales. The emergency room doctor told us I had what is called 'Sepsis,Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome of the skin (cellulitis), gave me more injections of anti-biotic and pain medication then told me I would need to stay in the hospital under close observation for at least 24 hours. Thank God he held me for observation and did not send me home, as the hospital in G.M. Even with I.V. anti-biotic and pain medication treatment the swelling and redness had taken over my leg all the way from my ankle to almost my knee. After two days in the hospital and things getting worse the staff doctor called in an Infectious Disease Doctor named Gertie Chimeka-Anyanwoke, MD. She looked at my leg then ordered a more broad spectrum I.V. anti-biotic be administered. Thanks God again. The very next day the swelling and redness had noticeably subsided. The next day I was released from the hospital with a 16 day supply of two types of oral anti-biotic. It is now Tuesday 6/14/11. The leg is better but is still slightly swollen, slightly red and hurts when I stand on it for a long time.

The doctor told me this was caused by bacteria in the Grand Isle 'water' getting in my skin by means of a horsefly bite. The horsefly bit me in three places on that ankle Friday night and I did not think anything of it. The only time I was in the water was to load our boat on the trailer that night.

The scarey thing is, while in the hospital a nurse told me her husband went to G.I. surf fishing and came back with the exact same thing. To top it off, my mother-in-law's neighbors husband went to G.I. fishing, contracted the same infection but his story did not have a happy ending. He went to the emergency room, was treated and released, then things got worse, was admitted into the hospital, things got worse and was put in intensive care...AND TWO DAYS LATER HE DIED!!!!

IF YOU GO TO GRAND ISLE AND GET A BREAK IN THE SKIN, CLEAN IT, TREAT IT WITH AN ANTI-BIOTIC AND COVER IT WITH A 'WATER TIGHT' BANDAGE. IF IT BEGINS TO GET RED, SWELL AND HURT... GET YOUR BUTT TO THE HOSPITAL.

I asked Dr. Gertie to let me know more about this infection so I could hopefully stop someone else from getting sick or possibly dieing because they were not treated with the proper anti-biotic. If you are interested in more information, please go to www.uptodate.com then look up 'Soft tissue infections following water exposure'.

PLEASE DON'T IGNORE THIS!

6/16/11
Thanks for the positive input about the dangers of this bacteria. I did not write this to hammer Grand Isle. I don't care if you contract this bacteria from the water at G.I. or the mud puddle in your back yard.

Please go to the web site I attached to the first posting and look up the article I have listed. Print it out and save it just in case you or a loved one has the same symptoms listed on the sheet. It says you contract it in 'water'.

The main thing I wanted to point out is that, it took 2 different emergency room visits, 2 different emergency room doctors, two different hospital staff doctors, a Vascular Specialty doctor and finally (THANK GOD)the lady that basically saved my life,or at the very least, my leg, ...Dr. Gertie... (the Infectious Disease doctor). Don't be a 'good patient' and just let them take the safe treatment (that insurance will pay for), tell them you are going to see a 'infectious disease specialist' even if insurance will pay for it or not. The staff doctor hesitated to call in the specialist until I complained to the hospital administrator. That afternoon the two specialist came to my room.

It is now 6 days later and my leg is still slightly swollen, slightly red and slightly hurts. I go back to Dr. Gertie for a check up today.

I am a 60 years old construction worker, ex-collage football player and at 55 years old, could invert leg press 1,125 pounds. I am not a baby. If it can almost kill me, think of what it could do to one of your kids. Please don't let this happen to you...or...yours!

6/17/11
My reason to write this post was not to hammer Grand Isle, the two hospitals I went to, the 6 doctors I had to see, the two hospital administrators I had to complain too, the 5 days of injection and I.V.(right and wrong) antibiotics I was given, or the remaining 16 day supply of oral antibiotics I am still taking... IT WAS TO EDUCATE THE PEOPLE THAT MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH THIS.

What do I know? I am just a Electrical & Instrumentation Construction Superintendent that went to an electrical groups fishing tournament. WHAT I DO KNOW IS 'ME'. If you or one of your loved ones gets these symptoms, don't stop raising hell until IT GOES AWAY. We have a lot of know it all, arrogant, snobs in the medical profession, but the main problem is the insurance system. The doctors and pharmacist's hands are tied, because they have to 'JUSTIFY', test, treatment and medication to the insurance company or 'NOBODY GETS PAID'.

Thanks to all of you for your input. Because of your responses, Louisiana Sportsman Magazine contacted me and they want to put an article about this concern for fishermen, in their magazine. This will open the door to hopefully help a lot more of us to help ourselves. I have also asked Dr. Greta to add something to the article. She is the 'ONLY' person with accurate, first hand information. Her input can help us all.

Please keep up the discussions. It's not who is right or wrong that counts. It's like us bikers say 'IT'S NOT THE DESTINATION...IT'S THE JOURNEY'.

7/1/2011 Update:
I went back to the doctor for a check up Friday 7/1/2011. The sight of the bite where the bacteria used to enter the skin is still black, sore and a little swollen. The doctor put me on another 10 days of antibiotics and scheduled be for another appointment.

7/15/2011 Update:
My leg is getting red again and beginning to hurt again. Made another appointment to see the doctor. Hope this hurries up and gets well.

Some people that have talked to me about this article seem to think it was caused by the horsefly bite. It WAS NOT. The horsefly only supplied an opening in the skin for the bacteria to enter.

Was down there for 3 days 2 weekends ago.
Had numerous horsefly bites and went in the water to cool off several times.
Luckly I did not come down with any infections.
I have heard of this before though.
Thank God you are going to be OK.
Thanks for the warning and everyone should heed it.

MOJO

Most area fishermen keep a 1/2 gallon of Chlorox in their boat for skin scratches or punctures. During hot weather such as we have now, the water is crawling with bacteria especially further up in the marsh. Its mostly caused by improperly maintained or none at all business and camp sewage treatment units. The warm water is like an incubator. If you have a low immunity for any reason, it can be lethal.

Thanks for the input. I am enrolled in the A.B.C. Rodeo from 6/23-6/25. You can bet your bottom dollar, I will have a gallon of Clorox in the boat. Any more suggestions will be GREATLY appreciated. I 'NEVER' want to have this again and especially don't want my wife to have it.

Good info and thanks. Bleach will be on the boat for now on!

so spray down with bleach if you have cuts or bug bites?

I heard peroxide poured straight on the cut or bite works also without the burn of the clorox. Anyone know if that's as affective?

we call it flesh eatin viris my dads freind got the same thing the docters said if hish wedding ring ring wouldnt have ben there he woulda died in a day or two his ring stoped it from spredding to his body because the swelling or virus couldnt swell past the ring, but i hope you get better and get back to fishing soon

It is usually caused by a form of strep. It's called necrotizing fasciitis. It is fatal 100% of the time without treatment. Google it, click on images, and I hope you have a strong stomach. Cellulitis is the precursor to NF. I'm glad your outcome was positive, I used to work at St. Elizabeth in the ICU, cellulitis was a frequent cause of ICU transfers. I liked dr. Gertie, she's pleasant to work with and knows her stuff.
I carry a bottle of alcohol in the boat, the burn means it's working! Clorox must burn like you know what. I've seen a few shrimper's finger as well, that ain't pleasant either. Hope you have a smooth recovery and don't forget the alcohol, especially the rubbing kind.

Peroxide is not as effective as far as I know. I would go with bleach. We are talking about possibly losing a limb or life here so who cares if bleach burns some when you apply it.

C'mon this has nothing to do with Grand Isle. This has to do with the bacteria that is present in all of our coastal waterways. Is it a concern, certainly it is. I have had it once myself and it came from letting a Grouper nick me with it's gill plate. I was 50 plus miles out into the Gulf, an area that is accessible from Grand Isle, Venice or Cocodrie.

This is a real issue and bleach seems to be the best but it has nothing to do with Grand Isle. Anyone venturing into the coastal waters across the state should be on the lookout for this and get medical help immediately if you notice redness or swelling around any wound or cut.

I absolutely agree with ReelScreamers, This has not only happened along the La. Gulf Coast but in coastal regions of other states too. Go down into the swamp of southern Florida and it is very common. Don't miss understand, It's not all along the coast but in areas where the water has heated up and hasn't moved. It does not take long for bacteria To grow.

Applying undiluted bleach to the skin is not a good idea. Undiluted bleach is caustic and very likely will cause blistering and burning of the skin (which is why gloves should be worn when cleaning with bleach). For use as an antiseptic, dilute the bleach with water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water). The diluted bleach is a very effective antiseptic at this concentration and is much less harsh on the skin.

I'm glad to hear that you are reponding to the prescribed treatment.

Dr.Nutt sez:...'ya all keep this up,'ya gonna cause financial convulsions in 'Paradise Isle' ???...some are burying their money and some are starv'n ???...I thought they had a clinic down there ???...cheers ???

P/S...and in that 'prepared' First Aid Box diluted bleach w/purified water does work best...(there is to many chemicals in 'regular' water that could change composition in storage w/bleach)...

Vibrio can be contracted anywhere .
It's not just around grand isle. The big thing that you must do if you experiance swelling and soreness is get to the emergency room and TELL THE DOCTOR THAT YOU HAVE BEEN FISHING / ON THE WATER AND HE / SHE NEEDS TO CHECK FOR VIBRIO !!!
I have seen e.r. docs send folks home w/ some pills saying that it was just a infection.

I caught that same thing 3 times in one year. Local fitness center swimming pool. One little crack in my little toe....Hits you like a ton of bricks. Took a little lady doctor from India to figure out what the heck was going on with me. Cost me a lot of time and money !! Haven't been to the pool, haven't had it again. It's been well over a year...BAD STUFF!

Hang'em...some guys would have the same prob if they put 'da heads underwater !!!...and most of them 'out of town' MD's are not yet 'broken-in' and don't mess with writing the most R/X's for a pharmaceutical company for paid MD vacations...they go right for the source !!!...cheers

Cracked heads ...LOL! I hate to say it, but my uptown doctor at the big clinic missed it all together. Sent me to check for blood clot in the lungs, then ultrasound for blood clot in the leg. I was pissed the whole time for I could tell it was an infection....just didn't know the source. Toe nor foot were red or swollen. Ankle to the knee and a patch on the thigh. 103 fever everytime. As soon as that lil Indian doctor saw my leg, she untied my shoe, yank off my sock, and said...whoop -- there it is. Nasty azz pool....I wish I could say the name of the place, but figured it's best I don't.

Hang'em...most of American MD's will drag you over 'da river and thru 'da woods depending on your insurance or their Corvette or Porche payments...and when those well groomed young female pharmaceutical sales people visit the office some do go a little daffy writing RX's to win a vacation or contest...God knows how many people get a prescrip. that doesn't need it !!!...cheers

I hear you Rabbit , I went to a famous hand doctor that advertizes on TV and he misdiagosised my hand infection and gave me 4 scripts in a row at 10 days each and did a $5,000 plus in the hospital procedure on my hand and then says I need to go to a specialist which I thought he was , that doctor did one test to confirm what he thought in minutes of see me and the next day with the results in hand said the medicine I had already taken had no effects on what I had , a five day script and I was better in 2 days , I was messed up for almost 2 months with the TV star ---- the witch doctor 'George' of the Jungle

yes i agree with this
builders

Thanks for the positive input about the dangers of this bacteria. I did not write this to hammer Grand Isle. I don't care if you contract this bacteria from the water at G.I. or the mud puddle in your back yard.

Please go to the web site I attached to the first posting and look up the article I have listed. Print it out and save it just in case you or a loved one has the same symptoms listed on the sheet. It says you contract it in 'water'.

The main thing I wanted to point out is that, it took 2 different emergency room visits, 2 different emergency room doctors, two different hospital staff doctors, a Vascular Specialty doctor and finally (THANK GOD)the lady that basically saved my life, Dr. Gertie... (the Infectious Disease doctor). Don't be a 'good patient' and just let them take the safe treatment (that insurance will pay for), tell them you are going to see a 'infectious disease specialist' even if insurance will pay for it or not. The staff doctor hesitated to call in the specialist until I complained to the hospital administrator. That afternoon the two specialist came to my room.

It is now 6 days later and my leg is still slightly swollen, slightly red and slightly hurts. I go back to Dr. Gertie for a check up today.

I am a 60 years old construction worker, ex-collage football player and at 55 years old, could invert leg press 1,125 pounds. I am not a baby. If it can almost kill me, think of what it could do to one of your kids. Please don't let this happen to you...or...yours!

Man I am so glad to hear you are ok. That is absolutley insane. Everytime I go to G.I. i get bit by horse flies. Nothing seems to keep those big bastards away. Good thing for good doctors that knew what was going on. Also, sorry to hear about you mother-in-law's neighbors. Next time I get bit by a horse fly or have any open wound I will be sure to clean it, disinfect it, and wrap it tight. Thanks for sharing your story and again thank god you are ok.

Well Put Reel Screamers. Well Put. This has nothing to do with GI waters it is all the waters in general. you can get the same infection from a mud puddle in your own front yard. It's just so happens that this happened to this man in GI. Them man wasn't bashing GI he was just saying anythime you have a cut or any type of open wound treat it with respect and take care of it.

it sounds like lady of the sea in galliano. their service is horrible. they let my cousin die.

Ok so I gotta put in my 2 cents here since I had same cellulitis . Its just bacteria that gets under skin. Now heres the kicker ...ya never get rid of it! Its with u forever and can pop up at any time. Now I got mine couple days after fishing....but could have got it from anywhere..you cant narrow down where u got it from . Thats impossible. Bacteria is on everything....stairs..your boat..your car. It took 2 weeks to get mine to where my elbow and arm was bendable. So chances it came from where u think it did are like 10%. You will never know. just be careful and clean open wounds. I dont blame Leeville for it .....ya never know....go ahead grab that handrail that everyone else has ...tons of bacteria there... :)

One of the functions of skin is to keep microorganisms like bacteria from invading our tissues, kind of a first line of defense against infection. When you have an opening in the skin (a nick, cut, blister, open wound, etc), the integrity of the skin is compromised and allows the invasion of bacteria and other microorganisms. When the compromised skin comes in contact with a source of bacteria (which could be just about anything), there is a potential to develop cellulitis. Cellulitis can be eradicated with an appropriate course of the proper antibiotic (which will vary based on what species of bacteria is causing the infection). Of course, as soon as you get another nick, cut, etc., the potential for another infection exists, and is not a direct result of the previously treated infection.

Cellulitis is same as a stafe (forget how to spell)infection..basically it can hibernate and then pop back up. Yes some can go away and never come back but it can always go away and then pop back up later. I learned alot from doctors and nurses about this when I had it. Not an expert by far but I know at any time it can come back.

I spent 3 years researching this particular bacterium. More than likely this was a Vibrio vulnificus infection. It is also contracted via eating raw oysters. Very deadly bug, glad you're okay. We made little brochures here in Alabama to pass out to fisherman on the dangers of open wounds and seawater exposure.

Only viruses stay with you forever and 'pop back-up.' Bacteria that are non-native, such as the one that caused this infection, are completely cleared by an antibiotic round.

Staph (short for Stapholococcus) are a group of bacteria species. They, along with many other bacteria can cause cellulitis. Some of the Staph bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics, that is why treatment becomes difficult. Staph organisms are abundant in the environment and some people are 'carriers' meaning that the Staph is living on their skin and in their noses. Intact skin prevents infection with the organisms, but nicks, cuts, etc allow the bacteria to enter and cause infection. I am a hospital pharmacist, and we see many patients with Staph infections that require selective IV antibiotics for eradiation of the infection because of increasing resistance to 'standard' antibiotics.

I am a clinical microbiologist and staph is actually on EVERYONE. Not just 'carriers.' With the wound taking place in seawater, summer months at that, it suggests Vibrio vulnificus. Staph would be suspected if he had not been out on the water. Also, the hallmark abscess seen in staph infections are not present. I could be wrong, but no offense, a lot of my friends are pharmacists, but know very little about microbiology or diagnosis. Mainly the focus of pharmacy school is to treat the disease with certain drugs AFTER a diagnosis is made. These infections can often be polymicrobial, and just by a picture it can be hard to distinguish. The only way to know for sure is to culture it. Oh, and it is spelled 'Staphylococcus,' but yes S. aureus is just one species as there are quite a few diff. Staph species that make up our normal flora. However, the important thing is that this man is okay. I'm not looking to get into a pissing contest here.......

I agree with MRl0004 that the most important thing is that this man is responding to treatment. Sorry for my misspelling, it was a typo; I do know the correct spelling. Also, I wasn't trying to suggest that his infection was caused by a Staph organism. My comments regarding Staph were in response to justwant2fish's comments that Staph and cellulitis were the same thing and that some Staph 'hibernates' after treatment and comes back. Sorry for the miscommunication. I am definitely not a microbiologist, but I do know a fair amount about diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections (30 years of experience in the hospital environment). However, I am not trying to compare my knowledge of microbiology to that of MR10004. Hopefully, no offense was taken.

And I don't have near the years experience you do, just with this certain type of infection I would say I am 'specialized.' It seems sport fisherman infections from it are on the rise. Typically the wound infections we see are mainly in the commercial fishing industry. The thing is, it's largely unknown still and sadly a lot of people die from it because the doctors aren't aware. Which it isn't the most common thing out there, so you can't blame them for not having seen it before. However, as the OP said, it is soooo important to get the word out there to fishermen so that they can be pro-active in their hospital/doctor visits!

Thanks ... mr10004.

My reason to write this post was not to hammer Grand Isle, the two hospitals I went to, the 6 doctors I had to see, the two hospital administrators I had to complain too, the 5 days of injection and I.V.(right and wrong) antibiotics I was given, or the remaining 16 day supply of oral antibiotics I am still taking... IT WAS TO EDUCATE THE PEOPLE THAT MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH THIS.

What do I know? I am just a Electrical & Instrumentation Construction Superintendent that went to an electrical groups fishing tournament. WHAT I DO KNOW IS 'ME'. If you or one of your loved ones gets these symptoms, don't stop raising hell until IT GOES AWAY. We have a lot of know it all, arrogant, snobs in the medical profession, but the main problem is the insurance system. The doctors and pharmacist's hands are tied, because they have to 'JUSTIFY', test, treatment and medication to the insurance company oR no body gets paid.

Thanks to all of you for your input. Because of your responses, Louisiana Sportsman Magazine contacted me and they want to put an article about this concern for fishermen, in their magazine. This will open the door to hopefully help a lot more of us to help ourselves. I have also asked Dr. Greta to add something to the article. She is the 'ONLY' person with accurate, first hand information. Her input can help us all.

Please keep up the discussions. It's not who is write or wrong that counts. It's like us bikers say 'IT'S NOT THE DESTINATION...IT'S THE JOURNEY'.

DNCHEBERT, I'm glad that you finally received an accurate diagnosis and are responding to treatment. The magazine article on the subject is an excellent idea. It would be very informative to many fishermen. It would also be nice if this information could be disseminated on some of the outdoors and fishing shows. I know many fishermen who can be stubborn when it comes to the need to seek medical attention. The seriousness of this infection cannot be overstated.

There are thousands of people that visted Grand Isle each year and enjoy every thing that it has to offer. There is a small presantage of them that their immune system is out of wack and get sick. Dont let this discourage you from doing what you enjoy doing here, but take every precaution you think is necessary.

Yes I agree this isnt just caused by (grande isle water). I am pretty sure no one can pin point where they get a infection from after alot of traveling. Could have came from your boat...it is bacteria right. I have heard (experts) contradict themeselves too many times . With that being said you can get an infection from anywhere so do the smart thing like someone said earlier keep wounds covered and clean. You never know where all this stuff is ..grande isle..baton rouge...at your work...oh yea this craps everywhere.

Will alcohol based hand sanitizer work on this bacteria?

...might ???,but not after it gets under broken skin...unless 'ya drink it ???...cheers ???

Admiral, what I meant was if through the course of a fishing trip, you applied hand sanitizer regularly. I made a trip to Golden Meadow about two weeks ago and I had several cuts/punctures on my hands that began to get infected. I put Absorbine Jr. on them and they began to get better right away. Absorbine Jr works great at preventing infection, but it burns like fire. I intend to keep a bottle in the boat from now on.

claymac...we use it a lot...especially when eating out...sometimes even spike it w/ wintergreen isopropyl to streach the dollar...and I always like to 'hoss' w/the good IQ brains !!!...

I had the same thing happen about 10 years ago surf fishin, was put into hospital & it wound up being Vibrio Vulnifisus, 3 days on IV antibiotics & I was better, after this I started getting out breaks of Cellulitis in the same ankle, after years of dealing with painful boutes of this, my last boutte lasted approx 6weeks, after multiple antibiotics, skin ointments my wife tried Manuka Honey, it is sticky but I wrapped that on the wound & it started healing the next day, after 4 days of keeping it wrapped the infection was healed, that is the 1st time I have used it so when the next out break happens, I will try it again, if same results I will repost, because cellulitis is very painfull & hopefully this will help someone

For those of you that don't know much about this particular bacteria.....here is some general information. Like I said before, I studied this 'bug' for 3 years and it is very dangerous. It is a natural component of sea water not only in the Gulf of Mexico, but worldwide. Meaning it is not due to contamination, etc. It is naturally present. However, in cooler temperatures and higher salinities, it is usually found in pretty low concentrations. In inshore waters in the warm months (April-October) it is present in very high numbers (10^6 cfu/mL). It causes 3 types of clinical presentations: 1) gastroenteritis 2) wound infections 3) primary septicemia. 1 and 2 are primarily caused by consumption of raw oysters (oysters are filter feeders and therefore naturally concentrate the bacteria). Since we typically eat oysters whole and raw, we take in these high bacteria loads. If you are relatively healthy, your body can usually handle it. If not, it can progress rapidly. All the seafood-related deaths in the U.S., V. vulnificus is responsible for 95%, with the average mortality rate from these infections exceeding 50%. This was the focus of my research. The other major infection that gets the least amount of attention due to it's rarity is wound infections. Wound infections are defined by the isolation of V. vulnificus from a wound or some other site that is typically sterile. The most common ways of contracting this type of infection are wound exposure to seawater, seafood drippings, or punctures by fins or bones. Naturally the majority of these infections occur in seafood processors and fishermen. In fact, 69% of these infections have shown to be occupational in nature among oyster shuckers and commercial fisherman. Symptoms are inflammation at the wound site that progresses to tissue necrosis. This type of infection often becomes septic resulting in fever, chills and hypotension and can lead to limb amputation and even death in more severe cases. Just a little info for you guys to make you more informed of the dangers of seawater exposure to open wounds. Knowledge is power, stay safe guys!