Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Every year, thousands of people enjoy time by the coast, swimming, fishing, and eating fresh seafood. But along with these activities comes a lesser-known risk: exposure to Vibrio, a naturally occurring bacteria found in warm, coastal waters.
Vibrio bacteria thrive in salty or brackish water, especially during warmer months, typically from May through October.
There are several species, but the most concerning for humans in the U.S. include Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio alginolyticus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
These bacteria can cause a disease called vibriosis, an infection that can range from upset stomach to serious wound infections.
People can get vibriosis in two main ways:
1. Eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters and shellfish.
2. Exposing open wounds, even small cuts, to seawater or raw seafood juices.
Most healthy people recover within a few days, but for those with weakened immune systems, liver disease, or diabetes, Vibrio vulnificus infections can become life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
The good news is that vibriosis is preventable.
• Cook seafood thoroughly before eating.
• Avoid exposing open wounds to saltwater or brackish water.
• If contact is unavoidable, use waterproof bandages.
• And seek medical care right away if a wound becomes red, swollen, or painful after marine exposure.
By understanding Vibrio and taking a few simple precautions, people can enjoy the water safely and keep their summer memories healthy and worry-free.
These are just a few of the many things to know about exposure risks to Vibrio. To learn more about this or other infection control, industrial hygiene, environmental, health, or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.
Clark Seif Clark csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. emsl.com
LA Testing latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental zimmetry.com
Every year, thousands of people enjoy time by the coast, swimming, fishing, and eating fresh seafood. But along with these activities comes a lesser-known risk: exposure to Vibrio, a naturally occurring bacteria found in warm, coastal waters.
Vibrio bacteria thrive in salty or brackish water, especially during warmer months, typically from May through October.
There are several species, but the most concerning for humans in the U.S. include Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus, and Vibrio alginolyticus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
These bacteria can cause a disease called vibriosis, an infection that can range from upset stomach to serious wound infections.
People can get vibriosis in two main ways:
1. Eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters and shellfish.
2. Exposing open wounds, even small cuts, to seawater or raw seafood juices.
Most healthy people recover within a few days, but for those with weakened immune systems, liver disease, or diabetes, Vibrio vulnificus infections can become life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
The good news is that vibriosis is preventable.
• Cook seafood thoroughly before eating.
• Avoid exposing open wounds to saltwater or brackish water.
• If contact is unavoidable, use waterproof bandages.
• And seek medical care right away if a wound becomes red, swollen, or painful after marine exposure.
By understanding Vibrio and taking a few simple precautions, people can enjoy the water safely and keep their summer memories healthy and worry-free.
These are just a few of the many things to know about exposure risks to Vibrio. To learn more about this or other infection control, industrial hygiene, environmental, health, or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.
Clark Seif Clark csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. emsl.com
LA Testing latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental zimmetry.com
