First Vibrio Sepsis Case Reported Nationwide... Jeollanam-do Urges Thoroughly Cooking Seafood

Avoid Contact Between Wounds and Seawater

Jeollanam-do has strongly urged its residents to strictly adhere to infection prevention guidelines, such as refraining from eating raw seafood and avoiding contact between wounds and seawater, following the death of a Vibrio vulnificus sepsis patient in Gyeonggi Province on April 23, 2026.

Vibrio vulnificus sepsis is a representative summer infectious disease with a high mortality rate. In Jeollanam-do, the first detection of Vibrio vulnificus was reported on March 9, 2026, in the mudflats of the Yeonggwang area.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the first cases of Vibrio vulnificus sepsis typically occur in April to May, when seawater temperatures rise to about 18 degrees Celsius or higher, with the highest incidence from August to October.

Over the past five years, there have been a total of 284 cases of Vibrio vulnificus sepsis nationwide, with 114 resulting in death. In Jeollanam-do, 38 cases were reported in the past five years, with 17 fatalities.

Vibrio vulnificus sepsis most commonly affects high-risk groups, such as those with liver disease or alcohol dependence, when they consume contaminated seafood raw or when the bacteria enter through wounds in the skin. The fatality rate exceeds 40%.

Once infected, symptoms such as fever, chills, vomiting, and diarrhea appear within 12 to 17 hours. This is followed by hemorrhagic blisters and tissue necrosis, with symptoms worsening rapidly. If the infection progresses to sepsis, death can occur in a short period, so anyone experiencing suspected symptoms should seek immediate medical attention without delay.

Jung Kwangsun, Director of Health and Welfare at Jeollanam-do, stated, "Jeollanam-do has the largest coastal area in the country, so the risk of infection is always present. Patients with underlying conditions such as liver disease or diabetes should only eat seafood that has been thoroughly cooked, and those with skin wounds should avoid contact with seawater. Extra caution is essential."

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