What is Vibrio vulnificus bacteria?

Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that lives in warm, salty water. It is often found in coastal areas and can be present in seafood, especially raw or undercooked shellfish like oysters. People can get sick from Vibrio vulnificus if they eat contaminated seafood or if the bacteria enter their body through a cut or wound that is exposed to seawater.

How It Affects People

• Infections: The bacterium can cause skin infections when it enters through cuts. These infections can become severe quickly.
• Eating Contaminated Seafood: If someone eats seafood with Vibrio vulnificus, they might get stomach pain, diarrhea, or even more serious infections.

Who Is at Risk?

• People with weak immune systems or liver problems are more likely to get very sick from this bacteria.

Prevention

• Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish.
• Keep cuts and wounds away from warm seawater.

Vibrio vulnificus is rare, but it can be very serious, so it is important to be careful, especially in areas where the bacteria are common.