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People at Risk

CDC estimates 80,000 people become sick with vibriosis, and 100 people die from their infection, in the United States every year.

Could You Get Sick?

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Anyone can get sick from vibriosis, but you may be more likely to get an infection or severe complications if you:

  • Have liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, or thalassemia
  • Receive immune-suppressing therapy for the treatment of disease
  • Take medicine to decrease stomach acid levels
  • Have had recent stomach surgery

Don’t chance it! Some Vibrio species, such as Vibrio vulnificus, can cause particularly severe and life-threatening infections. Many people with V. vulnificus infections require intensive care or limb amputations, and about a quarter of people with this infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill.

Ocean swimmer

Vibriosis Prevention Tips Find out what you can do to help prevent an infection.

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Vibrio & Oysters Find out about the dangers of eating raw oysters.

Cooked shellfish

Selecting & Cooking Shellfish Learn how to properly select and cook shellfish.

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