Climate Change Projected To Increase Costs of U.S. Vibrio Infections

Vibrio are bacteria that thrive in brackish and marine waters. In the United States, Vibrio are found in coastal areas and are most prevalent in the summer, when waters are warm. Many Vibrio species can cause human illness through foodborne and waterborne exposure. Foodborne exposure typically occurs from eating raw or undercooked seafood. Vibrio exposure may cause mild vomiting, diarrhea, swimmer’s ear, or skin infections. However, it can also result in rare but more serious outcomes like sepsis, amputations, and death. Climate change is expected to expand the range and season of Vibrio infections as sea surface temperatures become warmer. There is evidence this already may be happening.