Vibrio Infection Advisory and Action Plan

1. Clinical Description

• Vibrio infections can present with variable severity, including:Diarrhea and vomitingPrimary septicemiaWound infections

• Asymptomatic infections may occur

• Extra-intestinal infections are possible

2. Laboratory Diagnosis

• Confirmed by isolation of a species from the Vibrionaceae family from a clinical specimen

• Excludes toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1 or O139 (reported separately as cholera)

3. Reporting Requirements

• Healthcare providers must report suspected cases to the Florida Department of Health within 24 hours

• Laboratories must report positive results immediately

4. Public Health Actions

• Investigate all reported cases

• Conduct environmental assessments of exposure sites

• Implement control measures to prevent further infections

5. Prevention Strategies

• Public education on risks associated with raw/undercooked seafood consumption

• Advisories for individuals with open wounds to avoid contact with coastal waters

• Proper handling and cooking of seafood

6. High-Risk Areas and Seasons

• Identify and monitor high-risk coastal areas and estuaries

• Issue warnings during peak seasons (typically warmer months)

7. Treatment Guidelines

• Provide healthcare providers with current antibiotic treatment recommendations

• Emphasize importance of prompt treatment, especially for wound infections

8. Surveillance

• Maintain active surveillance for Vibrio infections

• Monitor trends and identify potential outbreaks

9. Interagency Cooperation

• Collaborate with environmental agencies to monitor water quality

• Work with seafood industry to ensure safe practices

10. Public Communication

• Develop and disseminate educational materials on Vibrio risks and prevention

• Utilize multiple channels (web, social media, press releases) for public outreach

11. Healthcare Provider Education

• Provide regular updates and training on Vibrio infection diagnosis and management

• Distribute clinical guidelines and reporting procedures

12. Emergency Response

• Establish protocols for responding to Vibrio infection clusters or outbreaks

• Coordinate with local emergency management for severe cases

This policy framework adapts the existing disease notification structure to address the specific challenges of Vibrio infections, with a focus on rapid response, public education, and prevention strategies. It's designed for immediate implementation, especially considering the current high-risk season for Vibrio infections in Florida's coastal areas and estuaries.

By Doug Liles