A number of species of Vibrio other than Vibrio cholerae (cholera) cause human illness in the form of gastroenteritis, septicemia, and wound infections. Gastroenteritis resulting from one of these pathogens includes symptoms of abdominal cramps and diarrhea that may or may not be bloody. Gastrointestinal symptoms occur within 24 hours of exposure and illness typically lasts 3 to 5 days. Most gastroenteritis infections are self-limiting and do not require treatment. However, in more severe cases, antibiotics and hospitalization may be required. The majority of reported infections are cases of gastroenteritis or septicemia acquired from consuming contaminated seafood, typically raw oysters, clams, or mussels. Most gastroenteritis cases caused by these Vibrio species can be prevented by avoiding consumption of raw seafood and by thoroughly cooking seafood. Most wound infections can be avoided by preventing exposure of open wounds to warm seawater.

The following are examples of Vibrio species that have been associated with foodborne illness and that FoodNet provides surveillance for:

• Vibrio vulnificus
• Vibrio fluvalis
• Vibrio mimicus
• Vibrio furnisii
• Vibrio parahemolyticus
• Vibrio hollisae

Table 1: Noncholera Vibrio in Maryland residents 1998-2002

Graph1: Noncholera Vibrio in Maryland 5-year trend

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Epidemiology and Disease Control Program
Emerging Infections Program
201 W. Preston St., 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-6234
Fax: 410-725-4825
Email: MDEIP@dhmh.state.md.us