First Vibrio vulnificus Death This Year... KCDC Advises "Cook Seafood Thoroughly"

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] The first death from Vibrio vulnificus septicemia in the Gyeonggi region this year has been reported.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 1st that a 74-year-old woman residing in Gyeonggi-do died of Vibrio vulnificus septicemia on the 20th of last month. The patient had underlying conditions such as arrhythmia and showed symptoms including edema and difficulty breathing from the 15th of last month. She visited the emergency room for treatment but passed away five days later.

Cases of Vibrio vulnificus septicemia begin to occur from May to June when seawater temperatures rise above 18℃, with the highest incidence in the summer months of August and September. Infection is known to occur when consuming raw or undercooked seafood such as shellfish, or when wounded skin comes into contact with contaminated seawater.

The disease mainly occurs in high-risk groups with chronic liver disease, diabetes, alcoholism, or other underlying conditions, and in such cases, the fatality rate can rise up to 50%, requiring special caution.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, when preparing shellfish, they should be thoroughly washed under running tap water, and cutting boards and knives used for cooking should be disinfected before use. People with skin wounds should avoid entering contaminated seawater.

The agency expressed concern, stating, "This year, the first Vibrio vulnificus septicemia case was reported earlier than usual in January, and two cases were reported in May," adding, "there is a possibility of an increase in the total number of cases compared to previous years."

Jung Eun-kyung, Director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, urged, "High-risk groups with underlying conditions such as chronic liver disease, diabetes, and alcoholism should be especially cautious due to the high fatality rate," and asked the public to strictly follow preventive measures.