Vibrio

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a potentially fatal illness caused by the consumption of raw molluscan shellfish (clams and oysters). Vibrio bacteria occur naturally in all coastal marine waters and multiply rapidly in the warm weather months once shellfish are removed from the water and exposed to ambient air temperatures. The most effective and least costly methods of controlling bacterial growth are to shade the shellfish from the sun during harvest and to place harvested shellfish under refrigeration promptly.

Maryland Department of the Environment has created a fact sheet about Vibrio for citizens.

Maryland Department of Health Link

Maryland Department of the Environment Link​​​

Please contact Katie Busch at 410-260-8342 or kathryne.busch@maryland.gov if you have any questions regarding public health concerns. if you have any questions regarding public health concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions​