Although this pathogen has been isolated from all U.S. coastal waters, V. vulnificus densities are highest in warmer waters with low to moderate salinities, mainly the Gulf of Mexico. Through their filter feeding mechanisms, oysters and other bivalve shellfish bioaccumulate bacteria, including V. vulnificus , to levels sometimes 100 times that of the overlying water. V. vulnificus illnesses, ranging from gastroenteritis to acute septicemia, are relatively rare in the U.S. and are caused almost entirely by wound infections or consumption of raw oysters from the Gulf of Mexico. While illness incidence is very low, its severity and associated high mortality are of great concern to public health authorities and the shellfish industry. From 1989 through 1998, an average of 20 cases and 10 deaths occurred annually.
Healthy individuals are at very low risk, but certain health factors increase the risk of infection.
The presence and densities of V. vulnificus are not related to fecal pollution of shellfish growing waters, thus current harvesting regulations do not serve to prevent these illnesses. Center scientists serve in key positions to develop both the education plan and its implementation strategy through NOAA funding. Additional funding support may be made available in 2001 from Sea Grant and the EPA to address portions of the overall risk communication plan. Measures will be made of the effectiveness both in delivery of the message and its impact in changing behavior of those at risk to avoid raw oyster consumption. A six year management plan is being established as three biennial segments with goals, tasks, performance measures, assessments, and annual reports.