Can we expect an increase in Vibrio?
Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, both mentioned as being in the waters, are naturally occurring organisms in all bay waters along the coast. They are not a result of human waste pollution and they do not survive in full-strength seawater. Their natural levels in all bays are high during warm water seasons. Neither Vibrio would be detectable in Texas bays and coastal waters given the already high natural levels, even if they survived transport from Louisiana. Vibrio vulnificus is only a problem for high-risk individuals with diabetes, impaired liver functions or compromised immune systems who consume raw or undercooked shellfish. Any enteric microbes present in the seafood would be purged with time spent in “clean” Texas waters. This isn’t the case with the Vibrios, which cannot be purged by spending time in clean waters. Cooking the seafood, however, removes all the microbes and ensures a safe seafood product for the consumer. — John Schwarz, Professor, Marine Biology, Te
