Vibriosis

Overview

How can I get sick? 

• Eating raw or undercooked* shellfish, especially oysters.  

• When you have an open sore or cut and go into salt water or brackish water (mix of salt and fresh water).  

Symptoms: 

• Diarrhea (runny poop)  
• Stomach pain 
• Feeling like you need to throw up 
• Throwing up 
• Chills (feeling of being cold and shivering) 
• Skin infection (from open wound or cut)  
• Fever (when your body gets a little hotter than normal) 

What can I do to stay healthy? 

• Do not eat raw or undercooked* shellfish such as oysters. Only eat shellfish that has been cooked.  
• After touching shellfish or seafood wash your hands. 
• Proper Handwashing – Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to scrub your thumbs, between your fingers and the tops and bottoms of your hands. Dry your hands with a paper towel.  

• Keep raw shellfish and cooked shellfish separate.  
• If you have an open wound (cut, new tattoo, recent surgery, piercing), make sure to stay out of salt water or brackish waters (mix of salt and fresh water). If you plan to be around salt water or brackish waters (mix of salt and fresh water), make sure to cover any wounds or open cuts.  
• Wash wounds if they touch brackish water (mix of salt and fresh water), salt water, raw seafood or its juices. If you develop a skin infection, call your doctor immediately.  

*Definitions:

• Undercooked: Cooking food less than the recommended time or temperature.