|
|
Communicable Diseases and Epidemiology
Vibriosis fact sheet
Vibriosis is caused by a contagious bacteria (germ) named Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The germ may be in the coastal waters, or uncooked shellfish or fin fish harvested from coastal waters.
- Usually start 12-24 hours after exposure
- Moderate to severe watery diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Sometimes nausea and vomiting, fever, chills and headache
- Raw shellfish
- Other foods can be "cross-contaminated". For example, a food washed in contaminated sea water and not cooked before eating could be a source.
The bacteria can be cultured from the stool.
- Treatment usually not needed
- May need fluid replacement therapy
- Antibiotics (tetracycline or doxycycline) usually not necessary, but may be indicated in severe cases.
- Thoroughly cook shellfish and finfish before eating.
- Do not rinse cooked shellfish or finfish with seawater which may be contaminated.
- Keep raw or cooked shellfish or finfish well refrigerated before serving.
|
|
|