FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Falmouth Health Officers Advise Public Consciousness Following Confirmed Case of Vibrio Vulnificus from Swimming

Published on: August 12, 2025

August 12, 2025 (FALMOUTH, MA)  – On Friday, August 8, 2025, native and state well being officers confirmed a uncommon case of Vibrio vulnificus an infection in an older particular person who was swimming with an uncovered wound at Old Silver Beach. The case was promptly investigated by Barnstable County’s illness case investigators. While V. vulnificus infections stay extraordinarily unusual in Massachusetts, the Falmouth Health Department is sharing data to assist residents and guests make knowledgeable selections about their well being and security. It is vital to notice that there isn’t any advisory or closure at the moment in impact for Old Silver Beach.

“Cape Cod’s beaches are an important part of our economy, culture, and community,” mentioned Scott McGann, Health Agent for the Town of Falmouth “By taking a few simple precautions, residents and visitors, and particularly anyone who is vulnerable or immunocompromised, can continue to enjoy them safely.”

Falmouth seashores are monitored by the Barnstable County Bathing Beach Monitoring Program for fecal micro organism as required by Massachusetts Bathing Beach Regulations, 105 CMR 445.000. While routine weekly sampling of Falmouth’s 52 marine and freshwater seashores has not yielded any closures as a result of fecal micro organism ranges in 2025, there isn’t any technique to monitor bathing water for V. Vulnificus.

Vibrio Vulnificus Infections Most Often Occur in At-Risk Individuals Who Swim in Sea Water with an Open Wound

Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring marine bacterium present in coastal and estuarine waters, particularly when water temperatures are heat. Most U.S. instances happen in southern states alongside the Gulf Coast, however a small quantity have been reported within the Northeast lately. The danger is highest in late summer time and early fall when coastal water temperatures attain their seasonal peak. Recent research point out that V. vulnificus instances are being reported farther north than in earlier many years, a pattern scientists attribute partially to warming ocean temperatures.

This bacterium may cause sickness in two methods: 1.) by wound infections when open cuts, scrapes, or punctures are uncovered to seawater, or 2.) by consumption of uncooked or undercooked seafood, significantly oysters (much less widespread). The case in Falmouth was associated to swimming with an uncovered wound. In Massachusetts, V. vulnificus infections have solely been linked to wound infections from swimming. This bacterium may cause sickness in two methods: 1.) by wound infections when open cuts, scrapes, or punctures are uncovered to seawater, or 2.) by consumption of uncooked or undercooked seafood, significantly oysters (much less widespread). The case in Falmouth was associated to swimming with an uncovered wound. In Massachusetts, V. vulnificus infections have solely been linked to wound infections from swimming. There has not been a case of V. vulnificus tied to consuming oysters or any sort of shellfish harvested from Massachusetts rising areas.

Certain Groups are at Higher Risk of Getting Vibrio Infections

People with liver illness, diabetes, weakened immune methods, continual sicknesses, pregnant girls, older adults, and younger youngsters, ought to take additional precautions. For these people, wound infections are extra possible and consuming uncooked seafood can carry larger danger.

Key Messages: Recreational Beach Safety

•       Vibrio vulnificus is uncommon in Massachusetts however may cause severe infections in individuals with sure well being situations if it enters by an open wound.

•       Most U.S. V. vulnificus instances happen within the Gulf Coast states; Northeast instances stay unusual however are barely extra possible in late summer time and early fall when water temperatures are warmest.

•       Avoid swimming or wading with open cuts, scrapes, or recent tattoos; if contact with seawater is unavoidable, cowl the wound with a water-proof bandage.

•       Rinse any wounds promptly with cleaning soap and recent water after contact with coastal waters.

•       Seek medical care shortly if a wound turns into crimson, swollen, painful, or is accompanied by fever after seawater publicity.

•       Healthy people have a really low danger of extreme sickness, however these with liver illness, diabetes, weakened immune methods, or different continual situations ought to take additional precautions when swimming in marine water our bodies.

For extra data on Vibrio micro organism protected swimming practices, and shellfish security, go to the next assets:

CDC: Vibrio Infection

CDC: Clinical Overview of Vibriosis

MA DPH: Information about Vibrio Parahaemolyticus

MA DPH: Climate Fact Sheet | Water and Shellfish Contaminated with Vibrio Bacteria

ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT 

Established beneath a Special Act of the Legislature in 1926, the Barnstable County Department of Health & Environment (BCDHE) supplies regional public well being and environmental well being companies all through the 15 cities comprising Barnstable County. The Department manages a number of environmental, public well being, and homeland safety grants funded by state and federal assets. The Department’s major mission is to guard public well being and the setting and promote the bodily and psychological well being and well-being of Barnstable County residents. 

ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD

Barnstable County supplies exemplary authorities features and companies to maintain our neighborhood wholesome and protected, promote sustainable progress, and supply a proactive, open authorities that enhances the standard of life for the residents of Barnstable County. Learn extra at  www.capecod.gov.