"Vibrio Sepsis Alert: Thoroughly Cook Seafood Before Eating"

Fatality Rate Reaches 50% for High-Risk Groups

Vibrio Sepsis Prevention Guide Poster. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province has urged the public to take special precautions to prevent infection, such as thoroughly cooking seafood, as the risk of infection remains due to persistently high seawater temperatures and recent cases of Vibrio sepsis.

Vibrio sepsis (infection by Vibrio vulnificus bacteria) mainly occurs between May and October. Infection can result from eating raw or undercooked seafood contaminated with the bacteria, or when wounds on the skin come into contact with contaminated seawater.

As of the end of August, there have been a total of 17 cases nationwide, with 4 deaths reported. In Jeonnam Province, there have been 2 cases and no fatalities.

After a short incubation period of 1 to 2 days, symptoms such as fever, chills, vomiting, and diarrhea may appear. In most cases, skin lesions such as swelling of the lower limbs, rashes, and blisters develop within 24 hours of symptom onset and may progress to necrotic lesions.

Particular caution is needed for high-risk groups, such as those with liver disease or immunocompromised individuals, as infection can progress to sepsis, with a fatality rate of around 50%.

Since May, Jeonnam Province has strengthened its efforts in public awareness, preventive education, and inspections, and is operating an intensive management period in connection with home health management programs for high-risk groups.

Namseok Na, Director of Infectious Disease Control at Jeonnam Province, emphasized, "Seafood and fish must be thoroughly cooked before consumption, and if you have wounds on your skin, you should avoid contact with seawater. If you develop any suspicious symptoms, seek medical attention at a healthcare facility immediately."

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