Barnacle Poisoning / Venom

[kend301]

Yesterday I had a chilling conversation with my neighbor . His son was going to paint the underside of his boat a few years back and cut himself on his finger while cleaning the hull . It swelled up and he went to the doctor the next day and was put on antibiotics. A week later his finger and hand were twice their normal size and his wrist was stiff. He was sent to a specialist who contacted doctors at Duke Medical Center and they immediately responded with Barnacle virus / venom . They put him on anti venom as well as a specific antibiotic and were able to save his arm and hand but had to amputate his finger. I tried to research on the web but it seems to be a very rare reaction .
Given the possibility that it can happen with the results being severe use extra caution and gloves when cleaning hulls.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Barnacle Poisoning / Venom

That's a rough story for the guy, guess poisoning might be similar for oysters, cat fish spikes, lots of other stuff in the ocean. Lost his finger?..not good, but better than his whole arm or his life! Good Luck!