Date of Award

January 2026

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

School of Public Health

First Advisor

Lee Kennedy-Shaffer

Abstract

Vibrio bacteria species, including V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus, cause vibriosis, which can present as gastrointestinal illnesses, wound infections, or septicemia. In the United States the geographical range of these infections is growing, with the northward expansion of Vibrio along the Atlantic coast highlights the importance of understanding trends in vibriosis in Connecticut. This analysis is based on surveillance data from the Connecticut Emerging Infections Program from January 1, 1997–December 31, 2024. Analyses were restricted to culture-confirmed cases to ensure consistent case definitions and conducted on data aggregated to the state level. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize trends in disease burden and seasonality. Quasi-Poisson regression models were used to assess temporal trends while accounting for population growth and seasonal variation. From 1997–2024, 758 incident cases of vibriosis were reported to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, including 584 culture-confirmed cases. The annual incidence increased from 1.22 cases per million population in 1997 to 8.44 cases per million in 2024. Using a Quasi-Poisson model, the estimated rate of increase was 4.65% every 10 years (95% CI: 3.39%, 5.94%), adjusting for population growth and seasonality. Seasonal patterns varied over time. The proportion of cases occurring between July and September increased by an average of 5.0 percentage points every 10 years (95% CI: -0.47, 10.62). This analysis shows vibriosis incidence is increasing in Connecticut. Seasonal patterns show variability across years, suggesting potential influences from environmental or climatic factors. Further analyses by Vibrio species and exposure source are needed to better understand these trends and their relationship to climate.

Comments

This is an Open Access Thesis.

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