Falmouth Health Officials Advise Public Awareness Following Confirmed Case of Vibrio Vulnificus from Swimming
V. vulnficus infections from swimming are uncommon in Massachusetts and can be prevented with appropriate precautions and wound care
August 12, 2025 (FALMOUTH, MA) – On Friday, August 8, 2025, local and state health officials confirmed a rare case of Vibrio vulnificus infection in an older individual who was swimming with an exposed wound at Old Silver Beach. The case was promptly investigated by Barnstable County’s disease case investigators. While V. vulnificus infections remain extremely uncommon in Massachusetts, the Falmouth Health Department is sharing information to help residents and visitors make informed choices about their health and safety. It is important to note that there is no advisory or closure currently in effect for Old Silver Beach.
“Cape Cod’s beaches are an important part of our economy, culture, and community,” said Scott McGann, Health Agent for the Town of Falmouth “By taking a few simple precautions, residents and visitors, and particularly anyone who is vulnerable or immunocompromised, can continue to enjoy them safely.”
Falmouth beaches are monitored by the Barnstable County Bathing Beach Monitoring Program for fecal bacteria as required by Massachusetts Bathing Beach Regulations, 105 CMR 445.000. While routine weekly sampling of Falmouth’s 52 marine and freshwater beaches has not yielded any closures due to fecal bacteria levels in 2025, there is no way to monitor bathing water for V. Vulnificus.
Vibrio Vulnificus Infections Most Often Occur in At-Risk Individuals Who Swim in Sea Water with an Open Wound
Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring marine bacterium found in coastal and estuarine waters, especially when water temperatures are warm. Most U.S. cases occur in southern states along the Gulf Coast, but a small number have been reported in the Northeast in recent years. The risk is highest in late summer and early fall when coastal water temperatures reach their seasonal peak. Recent studies indicate that V. vulnificus cases are being reported farther north than in previous decades, a trend scientists attribute in part to warming ocean temperatures.
This bacterium can cause illness in two ways: 1.) through wound infections when open cuts, scrapes, or punctures are exposed to seawater, or 2.) through consumption of raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters (less common). The case in Falmouth was related to swimming with an exposed wound. In Massachusetts, V. vulnificus infections have only been linked to wound infections from swimming. There has not been a case of V. vulnificus tied to eating oysters or any kind of shellfish in Massachusetts, although there have been cases in nearby states like New York and Connecticut.
Certain Groups are at Higher Risk of Getting Vibrio Infections
People with liver disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, pregnant women, older adults, and young children, should take extra precautions. For these individuals, wound infections are more likely and eating raw seafood can carry greater risk.
Key Messages: Recreational Beach Safety
• Vibrio vulnificus is rare in Massachusetts but can cause serious infections in people with certain health conditions if it enters through an open wound.
• Most U.S. V. vulnificus cases occur in the Gulf Coast states; Northeast cases remain uncommon but are slightly more likely in late summer and early fall when water temperatures are warmest.
• Avoid swimming or wading with open cuts, scrapes, or fresh tattoos; if contact with seawater is unavoidable, cover the wound with a waterproof bandage.
• Rinse any wounds promptly with soap and fresh water after contact with coastal waters.
• Seek medical care quickly if a wound becomes red, swollen, painful, or is accompanied by fever after seawater exposure.
• Healthy individuals have a very low risk of severe illness, but those with liver disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems, or other chronic conditions should take extra precautions when swimming in marine water bodies.
