Vibrio vulnificus

Transmission occurs through the consumption of raw, undercooked or contaminated shellfish, especially oysters; or wound related, due to the exposure of a new or pre-existing wound to marine, estuarine and brackish waters.

Persons with underlying medical conditions, especially liver disease, may be at increased risk of infection and serious complications. A higher risk of transmission has been linked to the warmer months of the year.

Illness onset can occur between 16 hours to 7 days after the consumption of contaminated food or exposure of a wound to contaminated water.

Wound infection symptoms include:

• Blistering and ulceration
• Swelling and reddening
• Fluid build-up
• Fever
• Sepsis and shock

Symptoms of severe bloodstream infection in susceptible individuals can occur rapidly after ingestion and include:

• Sudden chills and fever
• Shock
• Decreased blood pressure
• Skin lesions on the limbs and trunk of the body

The risk of severe complications and death in susceptible individuals who succumb to primary septicemia is high (50% mortality). 

Gastrointestinal symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain

General recommendations for avoiding Vibrio vulnificus­ gastrointestinal illness and severe infection in susceptible individuals:

• Thoroughly wash hands, utensils and surfaces after preparing or handling raw seafood.

General recommendations for avoiding wound infections:

• Do not handle raw seafood of any kind if you have a pre-existing wound.
• Wear protective clothing (ie. Gloves) when handling raw seafood.
• Avoid marine, estuarine or brackish (sea/ocean) water if you have a pre-existing wound.
• If you sustain a wound or injury while exposed to salty seawater or while handling seafood, thoroughly clean and disinfect the area immediately and seek medical attention if the area becomes inflamed.  

Over the last five years, 2015-2019, the average number of Vibrio vulnificus­ infections reported in Texas has been 33 cases per year (ranging from 22 to 36). Infections also appear to be seasonal in nature, with most (89% in 2019) occurring between May and October.

There is no vaccine for Vibrio vulnificus.

Report Vibrio infection, including cholera within one working day (800) 705-8868 or (800) 252-8239.

Bad Bug Book, Vibrio vulnificus (PDF) 2012
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Name of the Organism; Nature; Diagnosis of Human Illness; Associated Foods; Relative Frequency of Disease; Course of Disease and Complications...

Vibrio vulnificus
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
General Information, Technical Information, Additional Information