First Detection of Vibrio vulnificus Bacteria in West Sea Waters of Gyeonggi This Year

Concentrated Occurrence in August-September
"Avoid Eating Raw Shellfish"

Vibrio vulnificus bacteria have been detected for the first time this year in seawater from the West Sea region of Gyeonggi Province. Health authorities have urged high-risk groups with underlying conditions to be cautious about consuming raw seafood.

On the 3rd, the Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment announced that as a result of monitoring Vibrio vulnificus bacteria in seawater and mudflats since March, bacteria were detected in seawater collected from the West Sea on the 24th of last month.

Last year, Vibrio vulnificus bacteria were first detected in seawater collected on April 25, and detection continued until September.

Vibrio vulnificus infections begin to occur from April to June when seawater temperatures rise above 18 degrees Celsius and peak in August and September. Infection mainly occurs through consumption of contaminated seafood raw or contact of contaminated seawater with broken skin.

Vibrio vulnificus experimental test. [Image provided by Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment]

On average, about 50 cases occur nationwide annually. In the past five years (2018?2022), 48 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infection were reported in the Gyeonggi region.

By month, the cases were distributed as follows: ▲September (37.5%), August (29.2%), ▲October (16.7%), ▲April and June (4.2%).

So far this year, no cases have been reported nationwide. Last year, 45 cases were reported nationwide, of which 13 occurred in Gyeonggi Province.

The Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment stated, "Vibrio vulnificus infections mainly occur in high-risk groups with underlying conditions such as liver disease and diabetes, and the fatality rate is around 50%. Therefore, it is advisable for high-risk groups to avoid consuming raw seafood."

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