First Vibrio Sepsis Case This Year Reported... "Cook Shellfish Thoroughly"

Most Patients Occur Annually in August-September
Cook Shellfish Thoroughly and Reduce Contact with Seawater

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] A patient has been confirmed with Vibrio vulnificus infection for the first time this year.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 28th, a man in his 60s with underlying health conditions residing in Gyeonggi-do showed symptoms such as fever, swelling, and redness in his left lower limb starting from the 21st. While receiving inpatient treatment, he was confirmed to have Vibrio vulnificus infection on the 26th.

Vibrio vulnificus infections occur annually from May to June, with the highest number of cases reported in August and September. Infection occurs through consumption of seafood or contact with seawater when there are wounds on the skin. It mainly affects patients with chronic liver disease, diabetes, and other underlying conditions, and has a very high fatality rate of about 50%. Last year, there were 51 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infection and 22 deaths.

The Disease Control Agency expects continuous occurrence of Vibrio vulnificus infections as seawater temperatures rise during summer and contact with seawater increases.

Jung Eun-kyung, director of the Disease Control Agency, urged, "To prevent Vibrio vulnificus infection, avoid consuming raw seafood and follow preventive measures."

According to the preventive guidelines for Vibrio vulnificus infection, seafood should be thoroughly cooked before consumption, and people with skin wounds should avoid contact with seawater. When consuming seafood, it should be stored below 5 degrees Celsius and cooked at temperatures above 85 degrees Celsius.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.