EEIP RIDRM Vibrio Infections non-cholera
Vibriosis is a diarrheal illness caused by a group of bacteria called Vibrio. V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus are the most commonly reported species. Vibrio can be found in warm salt water or brackish water. Infection can occur by eating raw or undercooked shellfish (primarily oysters), or by exposing an open wound to the coastal waters that bacteria thrive in. Infections are more likely to occur during May through October, when the temperature of the water is warmer.
Actions Required and Control Measures
Reporting Requirements - Category 2
V. parahaemolyticus and V. vunlnificus are also physician reportable by mail within 12 hours of recognition or strong suspicion to both the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the local health department (LHD). The director of any clinical laboratory must also report laboratory evidence of Non-cholera Vibrio to both the DPH and the LHD. Additional laboratory requirements: All isolates of Vibrio must be submitted to the DPH State Public Health Laboratory for confirmation and should include the species. To assure you have the most up-to-date information concerning reportable diseases, please visit the Reporting of Diseases, Emergency Illnesses, Health Conditions, and Laboratory Findings page.
Case Investigation
LHD Responsibility: If the case is in a high-risk occupation or setting, the LHD will implement control measures. LHDs will work with the Food Protection Program to conduct shellfish investigation as needed.
DPH Responsibility: DPH will contact the case’s physician and/or the case to complete the CDC “Cholera and Other Vibrio Illness Surveillance Report” form, identify individuals in high-risk occupations or settings (food handler, health care worker with direct patient contact, day care settings) and provide information and educational materials describing the nature of the disease and preventive measures.
Control Measures
Recommendations on exclusion from high-risk occupations or settings should be made in conjunction with DPH.
This page last updated 9/16/2019.