Missouri Investigates Vibrio Outbreak
summary：The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS announced late last week that it was investigating a cluster of cases of Vibriosis in eastern Missouri....
According to DHSS, 3 cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus--an infection that is commonly associated with eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly raw oysters--were reported June 27 and 28, 2012. Vibriosis is caused by Vibrio bacteria, such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus, that grow in coastal waters. Risk factors for acquiring gastrointestinal Vibrio infections include: eating raw or undercooked shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) or crabs; or cross-contamination of other foods and surfaces with raw shellfish or crabs during preparation.
Symptoms of vibriosis may include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and in some cases, signs of severe infection (septicemia), including fever and low blood pressure. Those most at risk are people with weakened immune systems, especially anyone with liver disease or peptic ulcers.
Symptoms can start from 4 to 96 hours after eating contaminated food.