Vibrio - Information for Patients
What kind of infection is it?
Vibrio are bacteria that can cause diarrhea. There are a number of different types of Vibrio. One type, Vibrio cholerae can cause epidemics of severe watery diarrhea.
How do people get infected?
- Vibrio generally live in salty water environments and in fish and shellfish.
- Vibrio infections can come from eating raw or undercooked fish and shellfish (crab, shrimp, oysters, etc.).
- More infections occur during the warm summer months.
- Other foods can become contaminated by contact with raw or undercooked fish or shellfish.
- Water can become contaminated with human waste from people with Vibrio infection.
What are the usual symptoms?
- Illness usually starts 0.5-3 days after exposure.
- Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain or cramps, occassionally fever. Diarrhea can be watery or may have mucous or blood.
How long does it last?
- Typically 2-5 days without treatment.
How is it treated?
- Prevent dehydration by drinking fluids. Warning signs of dehydration include dry mouth, decreased urination, or dizziness.
- Most people will get better without antibiotics.
- For more severe illness or for people with weakened immune systems, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.
Are there possible complications?
- Dehydration due to loss of fluids is the major complication.
- Bloodstream infection can occur with Vibrio. The risk of bloodstream infection depends on the type of Vibrio and is higher in people with liver disease or weakened immune systems due to cancer, medication, or untreated HIV.
Comments:
- Wash hands carefully after using the bathroom, changing diapers and before and after cooking.
- To prevent Vibrio, avoid raw or undercooked fish and shellfish and be careful not to let other foods contact raw fish or shellfish.
- People with diarrhea should not prepare food.