Vibriosis is a bacterial infection caused by various species of Vibrio bacteria. These bacteria are naturally found in warm coastal waters and can cause illness in humans who consume contaminated seafood or expose open wounds to brackish or saltwater. It can lead to gastrointestinal issues, wound infections, or severe bloodstream infections.
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*Vibrio* bacteria, especially *Vibrio cholerae*, have been recognized for centuries as the cause of cholera pandemics, profoundly impacting global public health. The understanding of other *Vibrio* species causing human illness, like *V. parahaemolyticus* (common foodborne pathogen) and *V. vulnificus* (severe wound infections), expanded significantly in the 20th century with advancements in microbiology and diagnostics.
Vibriosis primarily spreads through the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood, particularly shellfish like oysters, contaminated with *Vibrio* bacteria. It can also be transmitted when open wounds or broken skin are exposed to brackish or saltwater containing these bacteria. Person-to-person transmission is extremely rare for most *Vibrio* species, with the exception of *Vibrio cholerae* in epidemic settings.
Contagious Period: Varies by disease
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Vibrio bacteria thrive in warm coastal waters and can cause rapid, life-threatening infections that require immediate antibiotic treatment and often surgical intervention. High-risk groups include individuals with chronic liver disease, diabetes, and immunocompromising conditions, who should avoid raw seafood entirely and protect open wounds from seawater exposure.In 2023, the US CDC issued a Health Alert highlighting an increasing number of cases, particularly in the eastern US since 1988, representing a growing public health and clinical concern affected by climate change. It states, "V. vulnificus infections in the Eastern United States increased eightfold from 1988–2018, and the northern geographic range of infections has increased 48 km per year."
Source: BEACON - View Full Report
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View WHO Resources →Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-19
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