Vibrio

Prevention, symptoms, and treatment of Vibrio

Vibrio are bacteria that occur naturally in brackish water, such as the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. They are more common when the waters are warmer, such as from May through October. There are over 80 species of Vibrio bacteria, but only certain strains are known to cause infection.

When Vibrio bacteria come into contact with an open wound, they can cause serious infections. Severe infection can even lead to intensive care, limb amputation, or death. People can also get sick from Vibrio by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.

Who is Most at Risk for a Vibrio Infection

People with liver disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems, iron overload disease (hemochromatosis), and those taking stomach acid reducers are at increased risk of severe infection.

People Can Get Vibrio Infections in Different Ways

These activities can put you at risk for Vibrio infection:

Injury during activities in coastal waters (i.e, a cut finger while crabbing, a scrape from a shell or a sharp object)
Exposure of existing cuts or sores to coastal waters, raw shellfish or crab, or their drippings
Eating raw or undercooked shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels, crabs, etc.)
Cross-contamination of raw shellfish or crabs or their drippings with other food surfaces or containers

How to Prevent a Vibrio Infection

Avoid water contact if you have any skin wounds
If water contact cannot be avoided, cover wounds with waterproof bandages
If you get a cut or a scrape, clean it immediately with soap and clean water after contact
- If soap and clean water are not available, clean the wound with hand sanitizer, then wash as soon as possible

Wear water shoes to avoid cuts and scrapes
Wear gloves or use extra care when handling crab pots or other equipment
Always shower after swimming in natural waters and wash your hands before handling food or eating
Take precautions when eating raw or undercooked shellfish or crabs

Symptoms of Vibrio Infection

Symptoms to look for from infected cuts or sores may include:

Increasing swelling, redness, pain, blistering, or drainage at the site of the cut or sore
Fever

Symptoms (12 to 72 hours after eating infected food) to look for after eating raw or undercooked seafood may include:

Signs of severe infection (septicemia), including fever and low blood pressure
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain

Seek emergency care immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Tell the doctor if you have eaten raw or undercooked shellfish or crabs or have been exposed to brackish or saltwater recently.