Hampyeong-gun Urges Compliance with Vibrio Sepsis Prevention Guidelines

Concentrated Occurrence Around September... Caution When Consuming Raw Shellfish

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Hampyeong County Health Center has urged residents in areas infected with Vibrio sepsis to exercise special caution.

According to the county on the 14th, Vibrio sepsis is a disease that begins from May to June when seawater temperatures rise and occurs mainly around September. It is contracted by consuming contaminated shellfish raw or when wounded skin comes into contact with contaminated seawater.

Symptoms of infection include fever, chills, low blood pressure, and diarrhea. High-risk groups such as patients with liver disease, alcoholics, and those with chronic illnesses like diabetes have a fatality rate of up to 50%, so special caution is necessary.

Accordingly, the county manages 263 high-risk individuals, including diabetics and alcoholics, through monthly phone calls and visits.

Additionally, proactive preventive management is conducted targeting local shellfish handling businesses, including aquarium water inspections and guidance on hygiene rules for operators.

To prevent infection, the following precautions must be observed: ▲ cook shellfish thoroughly at 85°C or higher ▲ avoid contact with seawater if you have skin wounds ▲ wash shellfish 2-3 times with tap water before consumption ▲ disinfect cooking utensils.

A health center official said, “There was a recent case of death caused by infection after consuming raw sea shrimp in another region,” and added, “We ask county residents to follow infection prevention rules such as thoroughly cooking shellfish.”