Vibriosis (infection with Vibrio): Prevention and risks
On this page
- How vibriosis spreads
- Preventing vibriosis
- Risks of getting vibriosis
- Who is most at risk
- Recommendations for travellers
How vibriosis spreads
Vibrio live in marine coastal waters and estuaries (where rivers meet the sea). When fish and shellfish in these waters ingest the bacteria, their meat can become contaminated.
You can get infected by:
- eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters
- drinking contaminated water
- exposing open wounds to salt water or brackish water (where fresh and salt water meet), raw seafood or seafood juices
- fishing in marine coastal waters and estuaries
- shucking oysters
Preventing vibriosis
It can be hard to prevent vibriosis because contaminated foods and water may look, smell and taste normal.
You can prevent vibriosis by:
- buying shellfish from reputable suppliers only
- cooking shellfish, especially oysters, thoroughly before eating
- never eat raw or undercooked oysters or other shellfish
- use a digital thermometer to make sure food is cooked to a safe internal temperature
- keeping raw and cooked shellfish separate
- keeping all seafood, both raw and cooked, refrigerated
- washing wounds with soap and clean water if they've come in contact with salt water, brackish water, raw seafood or seafood juices
- drinking water from a safe supply (treated or boiled)
- following general food safety practices
Risks of getting vibriosis
The risk is highest if you:
- eat raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters
- drink or ingest contaminated water, including water you've accidentally swallowed
- expose open wounds to salt water or brackish water, raw seafood or seafood juices
Outbreaks of Vibrio in Canada have been associated with eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. The risk may be higher between May and October when water temperatures are warmer.
Who is most at risk
Anyone can get vibriosis. However, you're at greater risk of infection and severe illness if you have:
- alcohol use disorder
- severe malnutrition
- less acid in your stomach
- liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hemochromatosis
- a weakened immune system (cannot easily fight infections) or another chronic medical condition
Recommendations for travellers
In addition to the general recommendations that apply to everybody, travellers should only drink treated or boiled water from a safe source, or from a commercially sealed bottle.