Three people contracted Vibrio infections in July from wound exposure to sound water on the Outer Banks. A look at recent Vibrio trends and a scientist’s plan of study

Area’s most recent Vibrio deaths took place in 2023

Two people were hospitalized after contracting Vibrio vulnificus infections in the Croatan Sound in July. The Croatan Sound is between Roanoke Island and the Dare County mainland, which is seen in the distance from the Manteo side of the William B. Umstead Bridge, locally known as the Old Manns Harbor Bridge. (Photo by Corinne Saunders)

By Corinne Saunders

Editor’s Note: Strong local journalism directly impacts your quality of life. You’re busy, and attempting to stay on top of all the important issues that affect you and your community can be taxing. We are here to stand watch for you, making sure you stay informed about what’s happening in our area, all while providing an advertisement-free, easy-on-the-eyes platform, for less than the cost of a bag of chips a month. Subscribe today.

Three people across the Outer Banks contracted Vibrio infections from open wound exposures to sound water in July, including two people who were hospitalized, according to area health officials.

Two people were hospitalized for multiple days after contracting Vibrio vulnificus infections in the Croatan Sound in Dare County, and another person went home from the doctor with antibiotics after a positive Vibrio test from contracting the infection in the Pamlico Sound in Hyde County.

The three Outer Banks cases are among 59 total Vibrio infections across the state from Jan. 1-July 31, state data shows. Dare County’s two Vibrio vulnificus infections are among seven confirmed infections by that species.

Want to read more?

Subscribe to outerbanksnews.org to keep reading this exclusive post.

Subscribe Now