Fatalities Associated With Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio cholerae non-O1 Infections in Florida (1981 to 1988)

Vibrio infections constitute a continuing source of morbidity and mortality in Florida. Seven fatal infections caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus or V cholerae non-O1 were reported in Florida between 1981 and 1988. Review of those seven medical records and Vibrio case investigation forms showed that although all patients died of sepsis, gastrointestinal signs and symptoms characterized the early illness in four patients, whereas the other three initially had painful swelling and/or lesions of the lower extremities. All patients had preexisting chronic diseases. Five patients (71%) had eaten seafood during the week before oneset of illness, including four (57%) who had eaten raw oysters. To reduce the risk of acquiring Vibrio infections, raw or undercooked seafood should be eliminated from the diet, particularly by persons with underlying chronic diseases.