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What’s Vibrio Vulnificus, and How Can You Protect Yourself?

man rubbing his leg

Health & Wellness

Summer means more time at the beach, but it also brings Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria found in warm coastal waters.

It’s rare, but when infections happen, they can get serious fast, especially for people with certain health conditions.

How People Get Infected

Vibrio vulnificus lives in warm brackish water (where salt and freshwater mix), often from May through October. There are two main risks:

  1. Broken skin or open wounds in the water. A cut or scrape near the ocean, especially in areas where freshwater meets saltwater, can let the bacteria in.
  2. Eating raw or undercooked shellfish. Oysters are the most common culprit.

What to Watch For

“If a wound becomes red, swollen, or painful after water exposure, don’t wait,” said Dr. Jyoti Somani, associate medical director of infection prevention and control at Jackson Health System. “Get it checked.”

Other symptoms can include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Blister-like bumps
  • Upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea after eating raw shellfish

People with liver disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems are more likely to get severe infections.

Four Easy Ways to Stay Safe

  • Cover wounds. Use watertight bandages or avoid brackish water until your skin is fully healed.
  • Clean any wounds. Wash cuts right away if they’ve been in brackish water or touched raw seafood.
  • Cook shellfish. Skip raw oysters and make sure all seafood is well-cooked.
  • Wear gloves. If you handle raw seafood, gloves add an extra layer of protection.

What You Should Know

“Most healthy people won’t get seriously ill,” Dr. Somani said. “But if you’re high-risk, the safest choice is to avoid raw shellfish and protect wounds near water.”

When to Seek Medical Care

If you’ve been in coastal waters or eaten raw shellfish, see a doctor right away if you’re:

  • Experiencing redness, swelling, or draining near a wound
  • Have fever, chills, stomach issues, or blisters

Early antibiotics can make a big difference.

At Jackson Health System, our UHealth Jackson Urgent Care teams are ready to diagnose and treat Vibrio vulnificus infections. To find a location near you, visit JacksonUrgentCare.com.

With a few simple precautions, you can stay healthy and enjoy summer safely.