| Vibrio parahaemolyticus Bacteria - Vibrio parahaemolyticus Symptoms - Diarrhea with abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills Sources - The bacteria Vibrio parahaemolyticus naturally inhabits the coastal salt waters of the United States and Canada. Individuals with open skin wounds can acquire a skin infection when exposed to warm sea water. More commonly, however, people become ill after eating raw or undercooked shellfish, like oysters. Incubation Period - The symptoms of infection will generally develop 5-92 hours after exposure to the bacteria. On average, symptoms develop 23 hours after exposure. Duration of Illness - The illness tends to be self-limiting and will usually last for 3 days. Treatment - Treatment is not usually necessary in most cases of infection. In severe cases, antibiotics will be prescribed. Prevention - Avoiding contact with warm seawater when you have open skin wounds is the best way to prevent wound infections. Thoroughly cooking seafood, especially oysters, will help to prevent illness. Health officials monitor oyster beds and when conditions are favorable for bacterial growth, the beds are closed until they are safe. For more information on Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Click Here Return to Food Home page Return to Environmental Health Home page Return to Stratford Health Dept Home page |