'50% Fatality Rate' First Vibrio Sepsis Case This Year... "Caution Needed"

As the first Vibrio sepsis patient of the year was reported, health authorities have urged caution to prevent infection.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, a man in his 60s was hospitalized with fever and leg pain on the 12th and was confirmed to have Vibrio sepsis on the 15th.

Vibrio sepsis typically begins to occur around May to June each year and peaks in August to September. It is mainly contracted through the consumption of seafood or contact with seawater when there are wounds on the skin. Last year, there were 46 Vibrio sepsis patients and 18 deaths. High-risk groups with underlying conditions such as chronic liver disease, diabetes, and alcohol dependence are vulnerable to Vibrio sepsis.

The KDCA expects the incidence of Vibrio sepsis to continue this summer due to rising sea surface temperatures and increased contact with seawater.

Since the fatality rate is high at 50%, people with skin wounds should avoid contact with seawater and follow Vibrio sepsis prevention guidelines.

Photo of Vibrio bacteria culture sample

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency urged, “To prevent Vibrio sepsis, avoid consuming raw seafood, crabs, and shrimp, and especially high-risk groups with underlying conditions such as chronic liver disease, diabetes, and alcohol dependence should be extra cautious due to the high fatality rate.”

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