During July-August 2023, 11 cases of severe Vibrio vulnificus infection were reported among residents of North Carolina (7), Connecticut (2), and New York (2). Among 10 patients with available information, all but one had at least one underlying condition, most commonly diabetes (3), cancer (3), heart disease (3), history of alcoholism (3) and hematologic disease (2). Six patients experienced either septic shock (4) or died (5); three experienced both. All of the patients who died had at least one underlying condition.

Waterborne transmission of V. vulnificus resulting from wound exposure to marine or estuarine water along the US Atlantic coast during July 7-August 22, 2023 was the most likely route of infection in 6 cases. Two cases likely resulted from exposure to a cut on the hand while handling raw seafood during food preparation. Among the two remaining cases with available information, one resulted from a foodborne exposure of a Connecticut resident who reported consuming raw oysters in another state. This patient did not report any relevant water or environmental exposures. The second patient reported both wound exposure to brackish water and raw oyster consumption.