VIBRIO VULNIFICUS (seafood)

VIBRIO VULNIFICUS

Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria found in warm coastal waters, such as those of coastal Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, and Florida. It is also found in the brackish waters of the Louisiana bayous. The bacteria appears more frequently during the warm summer months. People who ingest raw shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) or expose an open wound or cut to warm sea water may be at risk for developing an infection with this bacteria. People with an altered immune system are particularly susceptible to this infection. Vibrio vulnificus may cause severe, life-threatening infections in the following individuals:

While infection with the organism is rare, you should seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that you may have become ill from eating raw shellfish, or if a skin infection occurs after exposure to seawater or while cleaning seafood.

Tips to Avoid Infection with Vibrio Vulnificus: