Press Release Ministry of health Vibrio Vulnificus 28th October, 2013

The Ministry of Health has received a report of a single confirmed case of Vibrio Vulnificus in an elderly person here in The Bahamas. 

V. vulnificus is a bacterium that is rarely found to cause infections in humans.  

Infection usually occurs after the consumption of raw whelks and other similar shellfish such as oysters, clams and mussels. 

Vibrio vulnificus requires saltwater to survive.  

Other species in the Vibrio family include V. parahaemolyticus (associated with conch poisoning) and V. cholerae.  

Persons with weakened immune systems with open wounds are at greatest risk for infections as they can be exposed through direct contact with seawater containing the organism.

There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission.

Symptoms of an infection with Vibrio vulnificus include vomiting, and/or diarrhea, fever or shock. 

Patients with weakened immune systems who experience these symptoms after the consumption of raw seafood, or who have a wound and have been exposed to seawater should seek immediate medical attention. 

Weakened immune systems may occur as a result of chronic kidney disease, cancer, diabetes and HIV, among other conditions.  

For further information, please contact the Surveillance Unit, Ministry of Health at 502-4790 or 502-4776.