Increase in Vibrio Vulnificus... Be Careful with Shellfish and Shrimp

[Financial News] The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 16th that the number of Vibrio Vulnificus cases has been increasing since August. Reports of Vibrio Vulnificus cases this year surged from 1 in May, 2 in June, 2 in July to 14 in August. 
Vibrio Vulnificus is contracted by consuming raw shellfish contaminated with Vibrio Vulnificus bacteria or when wounded skin comes into contact with contaminated seawater. It occurs predominantly between August and October when sea temperatures rise.
Symptoms include △acute fever △chills △low blood pressure △abdominal pain △vomiting △diarrhea. Within 24 hours of symptom onset, skin lesions such as rashes, swelling, and hemorrhagic blisters appear on the legs. 
This year, the cumulative number of patients is 19 (8 deaths), a 9.5% decrease compared to the cumulative 21 during the same period last year, but the fatality rate remains high at 42.1%. All deceased patients belonged to the high-risk group with underlying conditions such as △liver disease △malignant tumors △diabetes. High-risk individuals should avoid contact with seawater if they have skin wounds and must ensure shellfish is thoroughly cooked before consumption.
Im Seung-gwan, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, emphasized, "It is important to avoid consuming raw foods such as shellfish, crabs, and shrimp," adding, "High-risk groups must particularly understand and adhere to preventive measures."


kaya@fnnews.com Choi Hye-rim Reporter