. "B CATALOG OF EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASE AGENTS." Emerging Infections: Microbial Threats to Health in the United States. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 1992.
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Emerging Infections: Microbial Threats to Health in the United States
MODE OF TRANSMISSION
contact of superficial wounds with seawater or seafood containing the organism
ingestion of contaminated water or food (usually raw or undercooked seafood) by immunocompromised persons, especially those with hepatic cirrhosis
not transmitted person to person
DISTRIBUTION
organism is most commonly found in the Gulf states of the United States and is probably part of the normal marine flora in warmer climates
INCUBATION PERIOD
incubation period is 10 to 20 hours
TREATMENT
antibiotic therapy
surgical drainage may be necessary with soft tissue infections
supportive treatment for diarrheal illness (e.g., oral fluid replacement)
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
avoidance of exposure of open skin wounds to seawater
careful handling of raw or undercooked seafood by persons with superficial wounds
avoidance of raw or undercooked seafood, particularly by immunocompromised persons
