First Vibrio Sepsis Bacteria Detected This Year in Jeonnam: "Caution Urged When Consuming Seafood"

Earlier Detection Due to Rising Seawater Temperatures
Year-Round Monitoring System to Be Implemented
Avoid Seawater Contact If You Have Skin Wounds

Vibrio vulnificus bacteria were detected for the first time this year in the Yeonggwang mudflat. Provided by Jeonnam Province

The Jeonnam Institute of Health and Environment announced that Vibrio vulnificus bacteria were detected for the first time this year in the Yeonggwang mudflat on March 9, urging the public to take precautions against infection such as thoroughly cooking seafood before consumption.

The Jeonnam Institute of Health and Environment conducts annual monitoring of pathogenic Vibrio bacteria along the western and southern coasts, in cooperation with the Honam Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention under the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

Due to rising seawater temperatures, the detection period for pathogenic Vibrio bacteria has been occurring earlier each year, prompting authorities to expand the monitoring system to operate year-round, from January to December.

Vibrio sepsis is a severe infectious disease caused by Vibrio vulnificus. Infection can occur by eating contaminated raw seafood or when wounded skin comes into contact with seawater.

The disease is characterized by symptoms such as fever, chills, and abdominal pain, with skin lesions developing within 24 hours. With a fatality rate of around 50%, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial.

Over the past five years, 38 cases have been reported in Jeonnam Province, with more than 80% occurring in individuals aged 50 or older. In particular, people with underlying conditions that weaken the immune system, such as liver disease or diabetes, are advised to strictly follow preventive guidelines.

Ahn Yangjun, Director of the Jeonnam Institute of Health and Environment, stated, "As global warming turns our seas more subtropical, the activity of pathogenic Vibrio bacteria is intensifying. Please make sure to thoroughly cook seafood at temperatures above 85 degrees Celsius and avoid contact with seawater if you have skin wounds, in strict adherence to preventive measures."

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