Vibrio parahaemolyticus infections associated with consumption of raw shellfish--three states, 2006.

During May 20-July 31, 2006, New York City, New York state, Oregon, and Washington health departments reported a total of 177 cases of Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection, of which 122 have been associated with 17 clusters. A cluster has been defined as a group of two or more ill persons who were linked to the same shellfish source (e.g., shared a meal at the same restaurant or obtained shellfish from the same seafood market). Certain clusters were associated with restaurants, certain clusters with seafood markets, and certain clusters with recreational harvesting. Three patients were hospitalized; no fatalities have been reported. No demographic (e.g., age, sex, or race) or medical history (e.g., predisposing conditions) information is yet available regarding affected persons.