Vibrio Infection

It refers to infections caused by various Vibrio bacteria species, which can cause gastrointestinal illness after eating contaminated seafood or, in some cases, serious skin and soft tissue infections after exposure to seawater.

Infection occurs through eating raw or undercooked shellfish (particularly oysters) contaminated with Vibrio bacteria, or through exposure of open wounds to seawater containing the bacteria.

Gastrointestinal Vibrio infections cause diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, while wound infections can cause rapidly spreading redness, swelling, and severe pain, sometimes progressing quickly.

Some Vibrio species, particularly Vibrio vulnificus, can cause severe, rapidly progressing infections, especially in people with liver disease or weakened immune systems, and can be life-threatening if not treated urgently.

Avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly if you have liver disease or a weakened immune system, and avoiding exposing open wounds to seawater or brackish water, especially in warmer months, reduces risk.

Yes, gastrointestinal infections are often self-limiting and managed with rehydration, while more severe infections, particularly wound infections, need prompt antibiotic treatment and sometimes surgical intervention.

Serious Vibrio wound infections can progress very rapidly, sometimes within hours, making immediate medical assessment essential for any wound exposed to seawater that shows spreading redness, swelling or severe pain.

People with liver disease, weakened immune systems, or excess iron levels in the body are at significantly higher risk of severe or life-threatening Vibrio infections.

Seek emergency care immediately for a rapidly worsening wound after seawater exposure, or severe diarrhoeal illness after eating shellfish, particularly if you have an underlying liver condition or weakened immunity.