Jeonbuk, First Vibrio Sepsis Bacteria Detected This Year... 'Ah! Be Careful'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Gominhyeong] Vibrio vulnificus bacteria have been detected for the first time this year in Jeonbuk, requiring special caution from the residents.

According to the Jeonbuk Provincial Institute of Health and Environment on the 1st, an annual Vibrio vulnificus epidemic prediction survey is conducted mainly in the western coastal areas of the province, and Vibrio vulnificus bacteria were isolated for the first time this year from seawater collected on the 25th of last month.

This bacterium is a halophilic bacterium whose activity increases at seawater temperatures above 18℃ and is mainly detected in seawater, tidal flats, and shellfish during the summer.

Vibrio vulnificus infection is a Class 3 legally designated infectious disease with a high fatality rate of 30-50% among patients.

Patients with liver disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses with weakened immunity who consume raw or undercooked shellfish contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus or become infected through skin wounds have a very high fatality rate upon onset.

Symptoms appear after a short incubation period of about 1-2 days and include acute fever and chills, vomiting, general weakness, diarrhea, lower limb edema, and skin lesions such as hemorrhage, erythema, blisters, and necrosis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are very important.

To prevent Vibrio vulnificus infection, avoid eating raw shellfish between June and September and ensure they are thoroughly cooked.

Store shellfish at temperatures below 5℃ and preferably heat them above 85℃ before consumption.

Disinfect knives, cutting boards, and other utensils used to prepare shellfish before reuse, and people with skin wounds should avoid entering seawater as infection can occur through wounds.

Yu Taeksu, director of the Jeonbuk Institute of Health and Environment, urged residents to strictly follow preventive measures as seawater temperatures rise and to seek immediate medical attention if any suspicious symptoms occur.