The monsoon season, when temperature and humidity rise, is a period when various bacterial and viral diseases become prevalent. Vibrio sepsis, which surges during this time, can be life-threatening in severe cases, so extra caution is required.

According to the characteristics and prevention guidelines for Vibrio sepsis released by Korea University Anam Hospital on June 26, this disease is a bacterial infection caused by Vibrio vulnificus. It is a legally notifiable infectious disease (Category 3) that causes skin and soft tissue infections and acute sepsis. Infection mainly occurs by eating raw or undercooked seafood, or when bacteria from seawater enter the human body through wounds on the skin.

Vibrio sepsis is mainly caused by eating raw or undercooked seafood or by bacteria from seawater entering the body through skin wounds.

In particular, wound infection occurs when seawater or seafood comes into contact with scratched wounds, allowing bacteria to penetrate the body. The wound area can rapidly swell and redden, and blisters and necrosis may develop.

Vibrio vulnificus mainly inhabits coastal seawater. It begins to be detected from May to June when the seawater temperature rises above 18 degrees Celsius, and causes concentrated human infections between August and October when the water temperature is high. Vibrio sepsis is classified into wound infection type and primary sepsis depending on the route of infection. The wound infection type occurs when seawater or seafood comes into contact with scratched wounds, allowing bacteria to penetrate the body. The affected area can rapidly swell and redden, and blisters and necrosis may develop. If infection is suspected, prompt administration of antibiotics and active wound treatment are necessary.

Primary sepsis occurs mainly in high-risk groups with weakened immune systems, such as those with liver disease, alcoholics, and immunocompromised patients, after consuming contaminated seafood. Systemic symptoms such as high fever, chills, general weakness, vomiting, and diarrhea appear, and within 30 hours of onset, skin changes such as swelling, purpura, blisters, and itching may occur on the hands and feet. If symptoms progress rapidly, death may occur within 48 hours.

Vibrio sepsis is treated with antibiotics such as cephalosporins and tetracyclines. If necrotic tissue develops on the skin, surgical treatments such as incision or amputation may also be performed. Because the infection progresses rapidly and can spread throughout the body, prompt response after symptoms appear is critical for survival.

To prevent Vibrio sepsis, shellfish should be stored at low temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius, and before cooking, they must be thoroughly washed with running tap water instead of seawater. Photo by Getty Images

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Above all, prevention is most important. Special care should be taken when consuming or handling seafood. Shellfish should be stored at low temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius, and before cooking, they must be thoroughly washed with running tap water instead of seawater. Seafood should be fully cooked at temperatures above 85 degrees Celsius, and shellfish should be boiled for at least 5 more minutes even after the shells open. If you have wounds on your skin, you should avoid direct contact with seawater or tidal flats, and when handling seafood, you should wear rubber gloves to prevent bacterial invasion.

Kim Jungyeon, professor of infectious diseases at Korea University Anam Hospital, said, "If symptoms of Vibrio sepsis worsen, they can quickly lead to shock, so it is important to visit a hospital as soon as initial symptoms appear," and added, "If you have eaten undercooked seafood or shellfish within the past week and are experiencing symptoms such as chills or fever, you should consult a specialist."

She also emphasized, "For high-risk groups such as those with liver disease, alcoholics, chronic disease patients such as diabetes, those taking corticosteroids or anticancer drugs, and immunocompromised patients, the fatality rate of Vibrio sepsis can rise up to 50%, so it is crucial to follow prevention guidelines."