VIBRIO PARAHAEMOLYTICUS GASTROENTERITIS IN MARYLAND I. CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGIC ASPECTS

During August, 1971, three separate outbreaks of foodborne disease occurred in Maryland and involved about 425 (57%) of an estimated 745 at risk. Steamed crabs or crabmeat was the suspected vehicle of disease transmission in each outbreak. Vibrio parahaemolyticus was isolated from the crab and from stools of some ill persons in each outbreak. During August, 1971, three separate foodborne disease outbreaks occurred in Maryland, involving about 425 (57%) persons of an estimated 745 at risk. In each outbreak, steamed crabs or crabmeat was the suspected vehicle of disease transmission. From the crab and from the stools of some ill persons in each outbreak, Vibrio parahaemolyticus was isolated.