jumperconway

This is to be taken VERY seriously! Infections impact Texas Coast fishermen Vibrio vulnificus can be deadly, but it's treatable if detected early By DOUG PIKE Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle A recent outbreak of rare but potentially dangerous bacterial infections has some coastal fishermen scared to go near the water. Experts say there is reason for concern and opportunity to increase awareness but no cause for panic. Vibrio vulnificus and its many relatives are naturally occurring bacteria found in warm saltwater throughout much of the world. The Centers for Disease Control's Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases notes "an average of 50 culture-confirmed cases, 45 hospitalizations, and 16 deaths" annually along the Gulf Coast. Nationally, the numbers roughly double across the board. These bugs are most often responsible for illnesses and deaths from consumption of contaminated seafood, but fishermen often contract the bacteria through open wounds. The Texas Department of Health issued a release on July 22 that documented 20 confirmed cases of Vibrio infections this year, including three deaths. "At least two (of the infections) were associated with exposure of cuts or open wounds to coastal saltwater," according to the release. TDH spokeswoman Emily Palmer amended that report Wednesday, noting that there now are 11 confirmed cases of wound-related Vibrio infections in Texas since June. In 2003, there were 14 wound-related Vibrio infections statewide among 43 total cases, seven of which were fatal. The first year in which Vibrio v. is believed to have infected a person is 1979. The CDC began its voluntary reporting system around the Gulf Coast in 1988, but the disease is believed to be underreported. Recent case Treatable and beatable with early detection, but the time from infection to death in the worst cases sometimes is measured in just days. Among the latest to make the unfortunate list of infected patients are three fishing guides. The man most recently stricken, on high personal alert after word of earlier diagnoses hit the coastal community, knew at the first serious hint of Vibrio infection to seek medical attention. Capt. Ken Griffin, a Port O'Connor guide, had worked 10 consecutive days. When he got home Friday evening, his left ankle felt tender, "like a slight sprain." On Saturday morning, he felt queasy and skipped breakfast. Wading with clients a few hours later, he became light-headed and passed out. A face full of bay brought him quickly back to consciousness, and Griffin knew he was in trouble. Back in the boat, he summoned other guides to retrieve his customers, then called for a family member to meet him at the dock. When he removed his wading boots, Griffin noticed a black spot "about the size of a quarter" below the sore ankle. "In the time it took us to get from the dock to the emergency room (about an hour)," Griffin said, "that dot about doubled in size." Griffin was met at DeTar Hospital Navarro by Dr. Brian F. Burns, a plastic surgeon who also is treating two other victims of Vibrio v. infection at Citizens Medical Center in Victoria. "While Dr. Burns drew a circle around (the infected area) and explained what he was going to do," Griffin said, "I could see a redness going up my leg." The infected tissue was removed, Griffin was pumped full of antibiotics, and it appeared Wednesday that he has turned a corner for the better. Griffin is luckiest thus far of Texas waders stricken this summer by the bacteria. Burns said that early detection and treatment saved Griffin from severe complications and probably spared his life. Amputations possible Doctors at CMC were forced this week to amputate both legs of a Houston man who also has suffered organ failure since infection early in July and remained in critical condition on Wednesday. He waited just a couple of days after the initial infection, friends say, before seeing a doctor. Another man who contracted the infection around the same time and in the same area has lost most of the tissue between the ankle and knee of one leg. On Wednesday, he was listed as stable but remained in intensive care at CMC. A fourth man, Bay City fishing guide Jesse Arsola, was hospitalized this past week with Vibrio v. infection in his right leg. He already has undergone two surgeries to remove damaged tissue. "On Friday (July 9), I cut my leg on the trailer, but didn't think anything of it," Arsola said from his hospital room in Bay City. "I fished the next five days. It got worse and worse. By the next Friday, I was bedridden. My fever got to 104 (degrees)." Vibrio v. also found its way into the arm of Rockport guide Charlie Newton this month. Newton's wife, Beverly, said his temperature was 104.7 degrees when paramedics checked him at the dock, "and he was drinking a cold drink when they took it." Newton has undergone surgery and skin grafting to repair his arm. He's improving, Beverly said, but he won't able to work again for weeks. While Vibrio v. is not technically the "flesh-eating bacteria" (Group A streptococcus), Burns said the saltwater bug is even more worthy of the name. "I'd much rather treat a strep infection," Burns said. "I'm more confident that I can save someone from strep than from Vibrio. I've treated every conceivable infection you can get in Texas, and (Vibrio v.) is by far the worst." Dissecting numbers Dr. James Oliver, a Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, has studied the Vibrio family for nearly three decades. He was surprised by the number of wound-related cases in Texas over such a short time and small area. "This is an incredible occurrence," Oliver said. "I hope the (Texas) Department of Health gets a team of epidemiologists down there to test the water," said Burns, who is convinced that circumstances these past two weeks warrant a closer look. TDH has no plans to dispatch scientists to the coast. "All the numbers are within what it usually is," Palmer said. "We don't see anything out of the ordinary." Amateur observers have drawn several conclusions to explain what they see as anything but an ordinary situation. Some people point to freshwater runoff from June's near-record setting rainfall in the region, and there is some evidence that salinity may affect concentrations of the bacteria. Others blame a variety of pollutants they believe are in coastal waters. Oliver said that introduction of freshwater or pollutants likely would hurt the bacteria more than help it. Vibrio adapts best to an environment of clean saltwater, he said. Can't break skin Matt Richardson, an epidemiologist at TDH in Austin, confirmed that Vibrio v. is the "absolute worst of the marine bacteria" on a list that includes many other family members as well as a slow-growing but tough-to-kill germ called atypical mycobacteria. He advised all coastal anglers to be cautious but said that Vibrio won't attack unbroken, healthy skin. People in generally good health who are exposed to Vibrio v. bacteria through wounds usually experience only mild symptoms that do not persist. Ingestion by healthy people, reports the CDC, may cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. "Vibrio is opportunistic," Richardson said. "If (the bacteria) can find a way in, they'll go." The fast-multiplying bacteria takes greatest advantage of the weak and infirmed. The experts cautioned people with chronic liver disease (such as cirrhosis), diabetes or compromised immune systems to be especially careful around saltwater. Everyday scrapes are not such great concerns as deep punctures, said Richardson. Burns recognized that almost all fishermen suffer occasional nicks and cuts around the water. Risk increases as the bacteria are provided easier — deeper — points of entry. Take precautions Common-sense precautions should be adequate to avoid life-threatening infection. Keep an antibacterial soap and generous supply of fresh water nearby. If the skin is broken, clean and flush the area at the first opportunity. Should the site worsen or other indications such as redness, fever, lethargy or flu-like symptoms appear, go straight to the emergency room. "Vibrio infections can be successfully treated with antibiotics if treated early," according to the TDH. The CDC's recommendation is for "Doxycycline or a third-generation cephalosporin (e.g., ceftazidime)." Dealing with Vibrio is a matter of risk management, said Burns, "like watching for rattlesnakes on a quail hunt or dealing with lunatics on the highway." Added Burns: "Fishermen tend to take chances, to do things we normally wouldn't do." Nature is full of nasty and sometimes deadly threats that come in all sizes. The best defenses against the worst bacteria are awareness and, importantly, a willingness to get treatment quickly. According to the TDH release, "there are no warnings or advisories discouraging visits to the Texas coast." "If you're around any marine environment," said Burns, "you should be extremely concerned. Know what Vibrio is, and make sure your doctor knows." doug.pike@chron.com

This is funny JOB APPLICATION NAME: John Kerry RESIDENCE: 7 mansions, including Washington, DC, worth multimillions. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Law Enforcement. I voted to cut every law enforcement, CIA and defense bill in my career as a US Senator. I ordered Boston to remove a fire hydrant which I considered unsightly, in front of my mansion, thereby endangering my neighbors in the event of fire. MILITARY: I used three minor injuries to get an early discharge from the military and service in Vietnam (as documented by the attending doctor). I then returned to the US, joined Jane Fonda in protesting the war, and insulted returning Vietnam vets, claiming they committed atrocities and were baby killers. I threw my medals, ribbons, or something away in protest. Or did I? My book; Vietnam Veterans Against the War: The New Soldier shows how I truly feel about the military. I deplore the military! COLLEGE: I graduated from Yale University with a low C average. Unlike my counterpart George Bush, I have no higher education and did not get admitted to Harvard nor graduate with an M.B.A PAST WORK EXPERIENCE: I ran for U.S. Congress and have been there ever since. I have no real world experience except that of a gigolo, by marrying rich women and running HJ Heinz vicariously through my wife Teresa. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: As a US Senator I set the record for the most liberal voting record, exceeding even Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton. I have consistently failed to support our military and CIA by voting against budgets, thus gutting our country's ability to defend itself. Although I voted for the Iraq War, now I am against it and refuse to admit that I voted for it. I voted for every liberal piece of legislation. I have no plan to help this country but I intend to raise taxes significantly if I am elected. My wealth so far exceeds that of my counterpart, George Bush, that he will never catch up. I make no or little charitable contributions and have never agreed to pay any voluntary excess taxes in MA, despite family wealth in excess of $700 million. I (we) own 28 manufacturing plants (Heinz) outside of the U.S. in places like Asia, Mexico and Europe. We can make more profit from the cheaper cost of labor in those Countries, although blame George Bush for sending all of the jobs out of Country. Although I claim to be in favor of alternative energy sources, Ted Kennedy and I oppose windmills off Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard as it might spoil our view of the ocean as we cruise on our yachts. RECORDS AND REFERENCES: None. PERSONAL I ride a Serotta Bike. My Gulfstream V Jet I call The Flying Squirrel. I call my $850,000 42-foot Hinckley twin diesel yacht the "Scarmouche." I am fascinated by rap and hip-hop and feel it reflects our real culture. I own several "Large" SUVs including one parked at my Nantucket summer mansion, though I am against large polluting inefficient vehicles and blame George Bush for the energy problems. PLEASE CONSIDER MY EXPERIENCE WHEN VOTING IN 2004.

QuoteAll of those numbers depend on a lot of things. Fuel costs. Airplane monthly note (or if the DZ owns it outright). Pilot costs. Maintance costs. Those are just a few in the long list of variables. ------------- Running a business, I realise that, and you know our overhead runs through the roof! Nothin cheap about Spacey except the runway.

Sorry, that's NOT the break even point. That is the direct operational cost and not the cost of operating a DZ. You have insurance, pilot pay, electrics, grounds keepers, manifest, future improvements, pee pits, tiki bars, etc to pay for out of that income from the people you fly. Don't go getting all warm and fuzzy that you can run a turbine plane with 4 people and make it come out even because it won't. I suspect that you need to run that plane 80% full over the year to make any money. ------------------ At Spaceland we'll fly with 11-12 paying jumpers minimum on our Otters so I'm sure he's making some $ at 50% capacity. Our's hold 23. $220-$240 a load. I'm sure it would really suck if that's an every load thing since on the weekends the loads are usually close to max or max.

My friends issue has made me question my own values in life as I put myself in his shoes an try and make the decisions that are in front of him and I come up lame. I can only make the call from my current disposition! I cannot envision his disposition! The pain I am feeling is so intense, it is hard to fathom

I found out today that my dentist dying from this affliction had a few secretes. He was a diabetic and told noone, and had had a sore one his leg that wouldn't go away for a few months. Today they took the rest of the leg that had been partially amputated before and amputated the other leg below the knee. The stomach problem was nothing but a bruise. The arm is on the verge of amputation. A friend actually talked to him before the last surgery and he was totally aware of what's going on! He hasn't given up yet. Thoughts and prayers are needed big time for my friend. Obviously he is willing to except the circumstances!

Yesterday the decision was made to not only amputate the rest of that leg but the other also. The infection has also moved to one arm and his side. They will open the side today and attempt to remove it unless it's in the intestines in which case they give up. The doctors are giving less than 5% chance of survival at this time. Blue skies my friend.

hmmm. And this was your dentist? He does drink but not heavy and had no liver or immune problems that I am aware of. He's been an adid wade fisherman ever since I've known him, probably 7-10yrs.

Flesh-eating bacteria infects two fishermen 01:48 PM CDT on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 By Shern Min Chow / 11 News Click to watch video PORT O'CONNOR -- It’s the time of year when people hit the Texas coast for fun in the sun. But a fishing trip quickly turned into a nightmare for two Houston men, hospitalized in Victoria after being infected by flesh-eating bacteria. They got it in the waters off Port O’ Connor and one of them is in critical condition. KHOU-TV The victims were infected during a fishing tournament in Port O'Connor. To look at the serene water off Port O’ Conner, you'd never know it was harboring the common, warm saltwater bacteria. Vibrio Vulnificus is naturally present in marine environments but people are rarely infected. Last weekend, Port O'Connor hosted a major fishing tournament, the “Poco Bueno.” Two friends were in the wade fishing division and both had scrapes or abrasions. That’s when the vibrio did its damage. Doctors at Citizen’s Medical Center in Victoria. where both men are hospitalized, confirm it’s flesh-eating bacteria. One of the men nearly lost his life to vibrio and did lose part of his leg. “The left leg was amputated at mid-calf and the remainder of the leg has been opened up,” said Dr. Robin Adams. Dr. Adams said the man’s infection began last Thursday, but he ignored the massive swelling, and the dark purple color of his leg until Saturday. “The man instead got engrossed in the activities of the day and basically disregarded it,” he added. There are some 18 to 20 cases a year of vibrio along the Gulf Coast. One local fisherman told 11 News he also had a friend who was infected. “They had to do surgery, a lot of antibiotics. They saved his leg," said Terry Spoonemore. "The doctor told him they weren’t sure they were going to save his leg or his life. He was very sick, maybe eight weeks.” Heavy drinkers, those with compromised immune systems, and those with liver problems are at highest risk of being infected with vibrio. One study suggests, they are 80 times more likely to develop vibrio than healthy people. “I think you have more a chance getting in car wreck that you do catching that. There were hundreds of people fishing this weekend,” said fisherman Dwayne Lowery. For Others, like Terry Spoonemore, the vibrio scare has made them think twice about getting in the water. “Yeah, but so did the movie Jaws and I got over that,” Spoonemore joked. The second victim is in good condition, but the first victim remains in critical condition. His problems include kidney failure. Doctors say seeking medical assistance sooner made all the difference for the second victim. Vibrio most often infects people through open wounds. You can also get it from eating contaminated seafood, so experts say always cook seafood, especially oysters. Doctors stress to get treatment early if you think there’s a problem with a sore.

Unfortunately, the one that lost his foot is my dentist. Yesterday they skinned his leg trying to stop it. Still in critical condition and on dialysis, system is shutting down. http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou040721_cn_seabacteria.f833c54.html

My 4 way intermediate team is looking for a fourth member for an unexpected Dallas meet this weekend. If you can make the event, please contact me.

Conway...thanks for the grips up or down and all the entertaining moments. Well it's nice to know that someone appreciated some of the organising that I did. It was a pleasure meeting u. Now check your email!

Thats what I was thinking. I pack quite a bit and I'd say on a good number of the rigs, the PC can be cocked and not show it on the window, due either to a 1/4 inch uncocking during bagging or just not having the color on the right area. I can only SO disagree with that notion! 1. If there WAS color in the window when it was cocked initially and is no longer there when you bag it, then you recock it to be sure that it can be verified! 2. If you cock the P/C and there is no color in the window and you know that it is sufficiently cocked(if not, show a rigger),then you get a permanent marker and put some color on it or don't pack the P/C and let the owner make the call. The window is there for a reason! As for paying the packer, if the packer checks and KNOWS that there WAS color in the window when initially packed and upon inspection finds that the line had moved slightly out of the window AFTER he closed it with the color visible then he gets paid! Had the jumper checked the window before boarding and seen color and then it wasn't visible before he exited, he knows that it WAS completely cocked when boarding, he should understand the risk/circumstance and make his own choice to exit or not. PHREE, I agree with your thoughts on your own P/C.

I don't have a history with Tempo's and have no idea what caused this unless what Bill said was an issue but I have several PD113R rides loaded close to 200# and the canopies fly and land awsume at that loading. I personally don't think the loading would have any bearing on this issue. Now if it was a Micro- Raven 120 then I hope he learned a valuble lesson, sell it!

Hey"YOU"RE AN ASSHOLE!!!! BEEER!!!!

No, because Conway can't spell. There are more R's in that Parrish... and, um, Conway -- I'm just sure he can sling shit as well as you, and you provide so much more material to start with Wendy Ouchy! OK back to Mr. little Midget Dude

LMAO!!

There's a new store 1/2 mile away! B E E R !

So should I address him as such? I don't think so, I call him the "little midget dude"!

Got that a couple of days ago priceless!

My flight arrives at 5 tomorrow. Rich is picking me up. That would be Mr. Parish, my old teamate on Random Chaos.

* B U M P * pg2

Excellent point and not that anyone would but avoid 59 N in to downtown at all costs as well. And I forgot anyone traveling south on FM521(Almeada rd.) , major speed trap!

Dave tell all your friends to stay away from loop 610 around the Galleria, it's under major reconstruction! They can take beltway 8 south all the way to 288S.

more freeking democratic bullshit!