<i>Notes from the Field:</i> Severe <i>Vibrio vulnificus</i> Infections During Heat Waves — Three Eastern U.S. States, July–August 2023

Abstract

Vibrio vulnificus, a waterborne and foodborne pathogen, lives in estuarine environments and thrives in warmer waters.V. vulnificus can infect open wounds through contact with salt water, brackish water, or raw seafood; infections can also occur after consuming raw or undercooked seafood.In the United States, 150-200 V. vulnificus infections are reported to CDC annually, approximately 20% of which are fatal.*During June-August 2023, widespread heat waves and above-average sea surface temperatures occurred in the United States (1).During July-August 2023, public health officials in three eastern U.S. states (Connecticut, New York, and North Carolina) were notified of V. vulnificus infections associated with exposure to coastal waters and seafood, most of which were severe and led to septic shock or death.This report describes V. vulnificus infections among residents of these three states during the 2023 heat waves.