What should you know about non-cholera vibrio?

Vibrio is a group of bacteria found in warm coastal water and sometimes in seafood. Non-cholera types are different from the bacteria that cause cholera. Illness may affect the digestive system after contaminated food is eaten, or the skin when an open wound contacts infected water or seafood. A wound infection can spread quickly through nearby tissue and may enter the bloodstream. People with liver disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system can become seriously ill more readily.

Symptoms depend on the infection site. Gut infection can bring loose stools, stomach cramps, nausea, or fever. A wound may become increasingly painful, red, swollen, or blistered. The exposure history helps a clinician choose testing and treatment.

Contact a clinician promptly if illness follows raw or undercooked shellfish, seawater exposure, or an injury near the coast. Mention when the exposure happened and whether the skin was broken. Drink frequent small amounts of fluid if you have diarrhoea; oral rehydration solution can replace water and salts. Severe dehydration may need IV Fluid Therapy. Keep any wound clean, covered, and away from seawater. Do not delay assessment while waiting for symptoms to settle, and do not self-treat a worsening wound with leftover antibiotics.

Seek urgent medical help for rapidly spreading redness or swelling, severe wound pain, blisters, faintness, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, blood in the stool, or inability to keep fluids down. Fever with a wound infection or signs of dehydration such as very little urine also needs prompt assessment. Emergency care is especially important for people with liver disease, diabetes, or reduced immunity.

Ask whether a stool, wound, or blood sample is needed; which warning signs should trigger a return; how to care for the wound; and whether Oral Rehydration Therapy is suitable for you.