Food Studies Commons^™

Vibrio Parahaemolyticus And Shellfish Safety, Laura Wigand

Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness associated with seafood consumption worldwide. V. parahaemolyticus is a native bacterium to Salish Sea coastal waters and present in higher quantities during summer months. Humans who consume raw or undercooked shellfish, most commonly oysters, containing V. parahaemolyticus can develop a gastrointestinal illness. Typically self-limiting, V. parahaemolyticus infections can also lead to life-threatening skin infections or septicemia, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. The Washington State Department of Health (Health) manages V. parahaemolyticus through regular environmental sampling during summer months, implementing a V. parahaemolyticus Control Plan for the commercial …