This disease is addressed with many names such as fish poisoning, erythematic migrants, sealer’s finger, whale finger, bubble finger, fish hand, fish handler’s disease etc. it affects the people who handle the fish and their wastes. The incubation period for the bacteria is 1-7 days and the symptoms are fever, pain in muscles and joints, sometimes internal infection may occur in the nervous system and heart, bluish-purple spots etc. Commonly it is observed on the hands. Any cut or small opening on the skin surface can cause the bacteria from fish to enter the body, but the bacteria have an inability to proliferate in the warm body conditions and remains confined to the affected area causing itching, pain and swelling. Antibiotics can help relieve the problem.
What is a fish handler’s disease?
