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Health advisory: Vibrio parahæmolyticus Infections
July 12, 2006 |
Over the past week Public Health has received several reports of Vibrio parahæmolyticus infections among King County residents. Cases have also been reported from other health jurisdictions in Washington State and investigations are ongoing. V. parahæmolyticus infection is characterized by watery diarrhea with abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and headache. Approximately 25% of cases have a dysentery-like syndrome with bloody or mucoid stools, high WBC count and high fever. Duration of illness ranges from 1-7 days. The incubation period is typically 12-24 hours. Public Health is requesting that clinicians consider V. parahæmolyticus in patients with a compatible clinical syndrome and take a travel and food history including history of eating raw or undercooked seafood, particularly shellfish. If possible, obtain details related to suspected shellfish consumption, including the location and dates of meals. Please obtain stool cultures from suspect cases and specify on the microbiology lab request that V. parahæmolyticus culture is being requested so that the lab can use the proper culture media.
Cases of confirmed V. parahæmolyticus should be reported to Public Health during regular work hours at 206-296-4774 or on our 24 hour automated disease report line for non-urgent reports at 206-296-4782.
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