For Charleston, South Carolina, resident Brent Norman, a daily stroll along the beach became a health concern. The passionate hiker, who often takes walks of more than 15,000 steps, often heads down the beach between Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms. But last week, while going about his regular business, a seemingly insignificant slip on a seashell—obscured by the diminished visibility caused by high tide—caused a major issue.
“The way the tides were pretty high, I unfortunately stepped on several seashells,” he told local news station WCIV. “I’ve grown up on beaches all my life and stepped on probably over 10,000 shells.”
In the subsequent days, Mr Norman reported experiencing progressive pain originating from his foot. The discomfort rapidly intensified, evolving into a sensation he characterized as akin to a nail being driven through the affected area.
After weeks of pain and swelling in his foot, “I was no longer walking,” he said.
By Thursday, Mr Norman’s leg had become visibly concerning, prompting him to rush to the emergency room. Upon arrival, medical staff reacted swiftly to address the situation.
“Everyone behind the check-in counter, their eyes were about double the size they normally were,” he said. “I could tell people were uncomfortable sitting around me looking at it.”
After inspecting his foot, doctors gave Mr Norman a bombshell diagnosis- his foot was infected with vibriosis – caused by the vibrio bacteria, the Independent reported.
“[The nurse] lanced it, removed the debris from in there, and then they gave me an antibiotic shot and then also pills that I’m taking for two weeks,” he said.
Mr. Norman most likely stepped on a shell in the ocean and then picked up the salt-tolerant bacteria, according to the media outlet.
Numerous infections can be brought on by Vibrio bacteria, some of which can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a dangerous illness in which the tissue around an open wound dies. Although twelve vibrio species have been identified, only one is particularly concerning according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) because it can consume flesh.
The public health agency said that the bacteria is responsible for an “estimated 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths in the United States every year”.
According to the CDC, most vibrio infections occur through consuming raw or undercooked seafood, or by exposing open wounds to seawater. The risk is highest during warm months, typically between May and October.
Despite this harrowing experience, Mr Norman maintains his love for the beach and plans to return once his foot recovers fully.
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