Health authorities in Texas have issued a warning after a person died of a rare infection from eating raw oysters.

The unidentified man in his 30s, who had underlying health conditions, died in Galveston County after contracting Vibrio vulnificus infection, which is transmitted through consumption of raw or undercooked oysters or other shellfish, officials said.

“He was taking some drugs that made him immunosuppressed. He also had problems together with his liver,” Dr. Philip Keiser, with the Galveston County Health District, told ABC 13. “The conditions that he had really predisposed him to an awesome infection.”

What’s Vibrio vulnificus?

Vibrio vulnificus is a rare infection that affects around 100 to 200 people every 12 months within the U.S. The bacteria that cause fatal infection often enter the human body through raw or undercooked shellfish or open wounds.

Some individuals with the infection may lose their limbs to amputations as it may result in necrotizing fasciitis, a condition during which the flesh across the open wound dies. It might escalate inside one or two days and even turn fatal. In response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the fatality rate of the infection is 20%.

The chance of infection is high for individuals with liver disease or those that are on medications that lower their ability to fight infections.

Signs of the infection

• Fever and chills
• Swollen and painful rash
• Large, painful, fluid-filled blisters on the skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness, fainting or weakness
• Confusion
• Rapid heartbeat

Prevention

You can’t resolve if an oyster is infected with the bacteria from the look or taste of it. While most cases of infection occur during warmer months, the danger exists in all seasons. The very best approach to ensure safety is by cooking them thoroughly before consumption.

It is healthier to avoid entering saltwater if there are open wounds on the body. Washing wounds after contact with salt water or raw seafood and covering them with a water-resistant bandage could prevent the bacteria from entering the body.

Diagnosis and treatment

Vibrio vulnificus infection will be diagnosed by testing blood, stool, sputum and tissue or fluid from a wound. Early diagnosis and coverings using antibiotics can assist prevent the infection from spreading and avoid life-threatening situations. Oxygen therapy, medication to treat low blood pressure and amputations are also needed in some cases.

Published by Medicaldaily.com