Infection from salmon threatened fisherman’s life

Angler Gary Christensen of Marysville knows local waterways throughout the region. He often fishes for salmon with friends on the Stillaguamish River near Stanwood.

Late last year, he was having an exceptionally successful day on the Skagit River outside of Concrete.

The silvers (coho salmon) were biting in bunches.

During the outing he unhooked many fish, some of which nicked up his hands a bit — typical scrapes he’s endured many times. As he carried the catch back to his vehicle, a familiar burn and sting on his fingers wasn’t out of the ordinary.

However, later that day, his hands began to swell.

When the swelling didn’t stop and his hands turned purple and black, concern peaked.

He was directed by his doctor to Providence Regional Hospital in Everett for immediate care.

When he arrived, staff members at check-in “took one look at my hands and said, ‘You’re the guy we’re waiting for,’” said Christensen.

Physicians administered antibiotics to attack the infection. He was admitted to the hospital and held for six days of testing, observation and intravenous treatments.

Through a series of blood cultures, Dr. Ahmet Tural, an infectious disease specialist, diagnosed Christensen with erysipeloid, an infection of the bacteria erysipelothix rhusiopathiae.

Commonly known as “fish-handler’s disease,” the bacteria — found on fish and shellfish — enters the skin through cuts and scrapes, commonly on the fingers and hands.

“I can’t believe how fast the infection acted,” said Christensen. “It’s really ugly stuff.”

In addition to the swelling, burning and discoloration, the bacteria can cause systemic symptoms including fever, malaise, muscle aches and headaches.

Doctors informed Christiansen the bacteria traveled through his bloodstream.

In severe cases, the infection rests in the heart leading to endocarditis, an inflammation of the inner layer of the heart involving the valves.

“Without treatment, it could have been fatal,” said Christensen.

Symptoms of fish-handler’s disease vary from person to person, but in general, a raised area on the skin will accompany purple coloring at the site of infection.

Donn Moyer, spokesman for Washington’s Department of Health, said the state is aware of such cases. However, the disease is not officially recorded.

The prevalence of erysipelothix rhusiopathiae in fish from local rivers could not be confirmed by government agencies.

Not specific to the prevention of contracting fishhandler’s disease, Washington’s Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) suggests using a de-hooker to release salmon quickly without direct contact.

A de-hooker device can be made by inserting a threaded hook into the end of a wooden dowel. The dowel can also be used to measure the length of the fish without taking the fish out of the water, adding to the fisherman’s protection while increasing the survival rate of the fish.

Other recommendations include wearing gloves while handling and cleaning fish, as well as proper sanitation of equipment.

Christensen fully recovered from the infection but sustained permanent scarring on his hands.

He continues to fish on a regular basis.

Now, he said, he wears gloves.

For information on making and using a de-hooker, visit www.wdfw.wa.gov. Medical information was researched through www. uptodate.com. UpToDate is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.