Louisiana health officials announced this week that two people have died from a rare but aggressive soft tissue infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus. They’ve developed this infection after consuming undercooked or raw oysters. At a recent Louisiana Oyster Task Force meeting, Task Force members heard the reported deaths. The revelation certainly underscored a disturbing spike in these types of cases this year.
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that naturally inhabits warm coastal waters, especially common from May through October. So far this year, Louisiana has seen a troubling increase in cases, with 22 cases resulting in hospitalization among state residents. In fact, just recently two people died from Vibrio vulnificus infections in the state. This increases the tragic toll of oyster-related deaths in recent months.
Infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus can be fatal. Roughly one in five people infected with this bacteria do not survive. Symptoms can develop very quickly, sometimes within a day or two at most after exposure. Health officials emphasize the severity of this infection, noting that many affected individuals may require intensive medical care or even limb amputations.
Florida, too, has a situation much like Louisiana’s. As of this writing, the state Health Department has counted 23 cases of Vibrio vulnificus this year and five of those have been fatal. That source is shown in reported cases, the majority of which result from open wounds that are exposed to seawater. Eating raw oysters represents a grave danger as well.
“During the same time period over the previous 10 years, an average of seven Vibrio vulnificus cases and one death have been reported each year in Louisiana,” – Louisiana Health Department.
The two recent deaths underscore the urgency of public awareness regarding the dangers associated with eating raw oysters, especially during peak months for Vibrio vulnificus. Health officials continue to urge residents and visitors to take precautions, particularly those with compromised immune systems or chronic health conditions.
