Vibriosis

Vibriosis is a disease caused byVibrio bacteria that usually leads to mild stomach illness or wound infections. It should not be confused with cholera which, although closely related, is a more severe disease caused by a specific type of Vibrio cholerae.

Vibrio bacteria live naturally in coastal waters, especially warm and brackish (mixed salt and fresh) water. People can become infected with Vibrio bacteria if contaminated water gets into a scratch or wound, or if they eat raw/undercooked seafood and shellfish (e.g. oysters).

Vibriosis is mainly reported in coastal regions and tends to occur more often during warmer months, when sea temperatures are higher. Rising temperatures linked to climate change favour Vibrio growth.

Most infections are mild, but some can be serious or life-threatening, especially in vulnerable groups.

Symptoms usually appear a few hours to a few days after exposure.

Depending on the transmission route, common symptoms are as follows:

After eating contaminated seafood:

watery diarrhoea;

stomach cramps;

nausea or vomiting;

fever.

After contact with contaminated water:

ear infection

redness, swelling and pain around a wound, indicating a skin infection.

In rare cases, the infection can spread to the blood and cause sepsis, which can be life‑threatening.

You should seek medical care urgently if you experience:

a rapidly worsening wound infection;

severe pain, swelling or changes on your skin;

signs of bloodstream infection (confusion, fever, chills, low blood pressure).

Anyone exposed to contaminated water or seafood can become infected.

The risk will be higher risk for those who:

swim or wade in warm coastal brackish waters, including estuaries;

have open wounds or cuts that may be exposed to seawater;

eat raw or undercooked seafood.

Some people may be at greater risk of developing severe disease, including:

those with chronic liver disease;

those with diabetes;

those with weakened immune systems;

older adults.

These groups are more likely to develop severe infections, including blood infections or serious skin complications, which may require the amputation of a limb.

The main routes of transmission are:

eating contaminated seafood, especially raw shellfish;

exposure of open wounds to contaminated seawater or seafood.

Environmental factors (particularly increased temperatures) are important for Vibrio growth and transmission as Vibrio bacteria multiply more rapidly in warm water. Increased sea temperatures can therefore lead to a higher risk of vibriosis in the summer, particularly during heatwaves.

Vibrio is not spread through casual person‑to‑person contact.

There is no vaccine available for vibriosis.

While mild cases often resolve on their own, severe infections may require antibiotics and hospital care. Wound infections may need urgent medical treatment.

Early treatment is important, especially for people at higher risk of complications.

If you are concerned, you should consult your doctor.