Toxigenic Vibrio cholerae O141 in a Traveler to Florida - Nebraska, 2017

Vibrio cholerae serogroups O1 and O139 are toxigenic strains associated with epidemic cholera; however, other Vibrio cholerae serogroups, such as O75 and O141, can also produce cholera toxin, leading to a cholera-like illness identified as vibriosis. Cholera and vibriosis are more common of the Gulf Coast region of the US and are related to exposure to coastal water sources and consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish. Persons typically become ill approximately 24-72 hours after exposure. Symptoms can last from 3 to 7 days and range from mild diarrhea to profuse watery diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to severe dehydration, hospitalization, and death. Although O141 has not been found to be an outbreak-associated strain, toxigenic V. cholerae serogroup O141 has been associated with sporadic illness in the US.