With the arrival of the summer and increases in sea surface temperatures, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is highlighting the seasonal risk posed by Vibrio bacteria.

The bacteria live naturally in brackish coastal waters, where saltwater and freshwater mix, especially when temperatures are high and salinity is lower.

Infections with Vibrio sp. are rare. If saltwater is swallowed or shellfish or mussels are eaten, the bacteria can be ingested and lead to gastroenteritis. If the bacteria enter the body through small skin lesions (e.g., injuries to coral or fish spines), there is a risk of fulminant sepsis, especially in immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic liver or kidney disease, diabetes, or iron storage disease. The bacterium is inactivated by cooking or freezing.