According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Vibriosis (Vibrio) causes an estimated 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths in the United States every year. About 52,000 of these reported illnesses are thought to be the result of eating contaminated food.
People with Vibriosis develop infections by consuming raw or undercooked seafood or exposing a wound to contaminated seawater. The majority of Vibrio infections occur from May through October each year, when water temperatures are warmer. The most commonly reported species of Vibrio is estimated to cause 45,000 illnesses each year in the United States.
Most people with a Vibrio infection become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly raw oysters. Certain Vibrio species can cause a skin infection when an open wound is exposed to contaminated brackish or salt water.
Joe Lyon is a highly-rated personal injury attorney with experience in filing vibrio infection lawsuit claims following injuries due to food poisoning. The Lyon Firm has represented plaintiffs nationwide in foodborne illness claims.
Vibrio Infection Lawsuit
People with compromised immune systems, especially those with chronic liver disease, are more likely to get vibriosis. Eating raw seafood like oysters, and exposing open wounds to brackish or salt water can increase a person’s chance for getting vibriosis. Other health conditions that place people at high risk for Food-borne Illness from Vibrio infections include:
- Liver disease
- Iron overload disease (hemochromatosis)
- Diabetes
- Cancer (lymphoma, leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease)
- Stomach disorders
- Compromised immune system, including HIV infection
In persons with liver disease, cancer, or another immune-compromising condition, Vibrio can infect the bloodstream, causing a life-threatening illness, or require amputation.
About 50 percent of Vibrio bloodstream infections are fatal, and death can occur within two days. Most people with a mild case of vibriosis, however, recover after about 3 days with no lasting effects.
Symptoms of Vibrio Infection
After eating raw or undercooked seafood that has been contaminated by a type of Vibrio, non-bloody diarrhea is the first sign of infection. Most symptoms will present in one to 7 days and last for up to a week. Symptoms associated with mild and severe cases may include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Sudden chills
- Fever
- Shock
- Skin lesions
If you develop severe illness within a few days after eating raw or undercooked shellfish, contact a medical professional.
