Rise in Vibrio Sepsis Cases... "Be Sure to Thoroughly Cook Seafood"

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency Reports 14 Cases in August Alone
Fatality Rate Approaches 50 Percent

As the number of Vibrio sepsis cases, which are mainly contracted by eating raw seafood, continues to rise, health authorities have called for heightened caution.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on September 16, the number of reported Vibrio sepsis cases surged from one in May, to two in June, two in July, and then sharply increased to fourteen in August.

Vibrio sepsis is an acute septicemia caused by Vibrio vulnificus infection, with a fatality rate of around 50 percent. Cases are concentrated between August and October, when seawater temperatures rise.

Infection can occur when consuming contaminated seafood such as shellfish, crabs, or shrimp raw or undercooked, or when broken skin comes into contact with contaminated seawater.

Once infected, patients may experience acute fever, chills, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Within 24 hours of symptom onset, skin lesions such as rashes, swelling, and blisters may develop on the legs.

So far this year, there have been a total of nineteen cumulative Vibrio sepsis cases, with eight deaths among them. The deceased were all considered high-risk for Vibrio sepsis, having underlying conditions such as liver disease, malignant tumors, or diabetes.

Im Seungkwan, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, stated, "To prevent Vibrio sepsis, those with skin wounds should avoid contact with seawater, and all seafood should be thoroughly cooked before consumption." He emphasized, "High-risk groups, including individuals with liver disease, diabetes, alcohol dependence, or compromised immune systems, must pay special attention to prevention guidelines."

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