A 71-year-old man from Missouri died after eating raw oysters contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium present in contaminated oysters and shellfish. The man had bought the oysters from a food stand in Manchester and was treated at St. Claire’s Hospital before passing away. While vibrosis triggered symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fever and is typically more severe in people with weakened immune systems, the bacteria is responsible for 95% of deaths related to seafood, with a mortality rate of 33%. Although the authorities confirmed that the food stand did not seem to have contaminated the oysters, the CDC has urged the public to take steps to reduce the chances of contracting the bacteria. These measures include not eating raw shellfish, washing hands before and after preparing shellfish, and seeking medical treatment if symptoms of infection appear.
Vibrio vulnificus is a rare, but deadly, bacterial infection that people can contract after consuming raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters, or exposing a wound to salt water or brackish water. The bacterium can cause necrotizing fasciitis, the flesh-eating bacteria infection, depending on the severity of the infection. Although vibriosis is a rare condition, a study in the Journal Scientific Reports published last March suggested that infections of the bacterium could double in the next 20 years due to rising sea surface temperatures. The bacteria, which spreads rapidly, infects nearly 80,000 people in the USA each year and causes approximately 100 deaths annually. Health officials have imposed an embargo on all remaining oysters at The Fruit Stand & Seafood establishment, where the man bought his shellfish, and are investigating the source of the contamination.
Both the CDC and health professionals advise consumers to avoid consuming raw or undercooked shellfish and to avoid saltwater if anyone has a wound and to rinse thoroughly if exposed to seawater or raw shellfish. The authorities have urged customers who recently bought oysters in the Manchester area to contact the Department of Public Health and dispose of the remaining oysters at The Fruit Stand & Seafood.
In conclusion, while rare, vibriosis is a severe and potentially deadly bacterial infection. As seafood consumption is a prevalent practice, individuals need to take precautions and ensure they consume only well-cooked seafood and avoid raw or undercooked oysters and other shellfish. Besides, customers need to know the source of their shellfish purchases. If someone develops symptoms of vibriosis, such as nausea, vomiting, and fever, immediately seek medical attention. By being vigilant and taking preventative measures, individuals can significantly reduce the chances of contracting the deadly bacteria and avoid this fatal infection.
