VIBRIO INFECTIONS Q&A

What are Vibrio infections? How soon do symptoms appear? Bacteria in the genus Vibrio cause these infections. Symptoms usually appear 12 to 24 hours after Some specific types of Vibrio bacteria that cause infection for most Vibrio organisms. For V. infection in humans include Vibrio parahaemolyticus, vulnificus, symptoms can take as long as 72 Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio cholerae. Specific types hours to appear. of V. cholerae cause a specific disease called cholera that has great potential for epidemic spread and is When and for how long can a person spread discussed separately in the fact sheet called “Cholera.” vibrios? However, other types of V. cholerae, as well as V. People can contaminate water and food with vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus, can cause disease vibrios for as long as the organism remains in typified by diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramping the stool. This can last as long as several days. or severe wound infections. What is the treatment for Vibrio infection? Who gets Vibrio infections? Most cases with dehydrating illness can be Anyone can become infected with Vibrio organisms. treated by giving a solution of oral rehydration Certain individuals, such as those with chronic liver salts, a prepackaged mixture of sugar and salts disease, when infected with V. vulnificus, are more to be mixed with water and consumed in large likely to have severe disease that can lead to shock amounts. For individuals with severe disease, and death. intravenous rehydration may be needed. For individuals with chronic liver disease, alcohol- How are Vibrio organisms spread? ics, or other immunosuppressed individuals, a Vibrio organisms are spread when a person eats food combination of antibiotics, minocycline and or water that has been contaminated with feces or cefotaxime, is usually given in addition to vomit from an infected person. Some Vibrio organ- intravenous rehydration. isms are free living in salt or brackish water, or reside in sea animals that filter water, such as oysters and How can Vibrio infection be prevented? other shellfish. Therefore infection can occur after • Persons with immunocompromising eating these shellfish if raw or undercooked. Finally, conditions or chronic liver disease should infection can occur after a wound is contaminated by not eat undercooked or raw shellfish, water that harbors vibrios, but this route of infection is particularly oysters. They should eat their less commonly identified than the others described seafood well cooked. above. “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it!” Travel- What are the symptoms of Vibrio infection? ers visiting places where Vibrio infections have Vibrio infection generally causes digestive symptoms occurred should take the following precau- such as nausea, vomiting, a watery diarrhea, and tions: abdominal cramping. It is often accompanied by • Drink only boiled or bottled water. Other headache and fever. In certain individuals who have safe drinks include tea and coffee made liver disease, leukemia, or other chronic diseases that with boiled water and carbonated bottled affect their immune system, certain species of Vibrio, beverages with no ice. such as V. vulnificus, can cause shock, which if un- • Eat only thoroughly cooked foods that are treated can be fatal. still hot. • Peel fruits and raw vegetables yourself. Do not eat the peelings. 158 • Avoid undercooked or raw fish or shellfish. • Eat only cooked vegetables and avoid salads. • Avoid foods and beverages from street vendors.

Persons with diarrhea and those caring for them should wash their hands regularly and thoroughly. Ill persons should not prepare foods or beverages for others.

Where can I get additional information about Vibrio infections? Contact the Georgia Division of Public Health, Epide- miology Branch, by email at [email protected]. The following web sites may be useful:

• CDC Vibrio vulnificus – http://www.cdc.gov/ ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/vibriovulnificus_g.htm • CDC Vibrio parahaemolyticus - http:// www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/ vibrioparahaemolyticus_g.htm

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