Is It Safe to Go in the Water? Infection Risks

Session Description: This presentation will educate on the infection risks associated with the waters of the Gulf Coast. Causative factors (environmental preferences of the infectious agent, mishandling of wildlife, water related injuries, and human consumption of contaminated food items) will be reviewed. This presentation will include the chain of infection for the following pathogens: Vibriosis, Norovirus, Melioidosis, and infection from Cyanobacteria/Cyanotoxins. Health risk factors leading to susceptibility will be included. This will be followed by patient case studies involving each pathogenic agent. The presentation will close with an opportunity for questions and answers.

As the increasing volume of domestic and international visitors flood the Gulf Coast annually, the potential for one of these visitors to return to their community with complications from infection has increased. Educating healthcare providers on these regional illnesses becomes more and more relevant. This program will develop awareness regarding identification and causative factors of these illnesses and aid healthcare providers in proper identification and/or an understanding of expected treatment plans.

The target audience for this presentation is any level of Infection Preventionist, as well as any healthcare worker who might encounter patients or supplies/instruments used by those patients.