People at Risk

CDC estimates 80,000 people become sick with vibriosis, and 100 people die from their infection, in the United States every year.

Could You Get Sick?
Smiling elderly lady on beach

Anyone can get sick from vibriosis, but you may be more likely to get an infection or severe complications if you:

  • Have liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, or thalassemia
  • Receive immune-suppressing therapy for the treatment of disease
  • Take medicine to decrease stomach acid levels
  • Have had recent stomach surgery

Don’t chance it! Some Vibrio species, such as Vibrio vulnificus, can cause particularly severe and life-threatening infections. Many people with V. vulnificus infections require intensive care or limb amputations, and about 1 in 5 people with this infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill.

Ocean swimmer

Find out what you can do to help prevent an infection.

4 oysters on white background

Find out about the dangers of eating raw oysters.

Cooked shellfish

Learn how to properly select and cook shellfish.