The first detection of 'Vibrio vulnificus' this year has been confirmed in the West Sea of Gyeonggi Province.
The Gyeonggi Provincial Institute of Health and Environment announced that Vibrio vulnificus was detected for the first time this year in seawater from the West Sea area of Gyeonggi and urged caution regarding this.
The institute revealed on the 3rd that as a result of conducting surveillance for Vibrio vulnificus in seawater and tidal flats since March this year, the bacteria were detected in seawater sampled on the 24th of last month.
Last year, Vibrio vulnificus was first detected in seawater sampled on April 25.
Vibrio vulnificus infections generally begin to occur from April to June when seawater temperatures rise above 18℃, with cases peaking between August and September. Infection mainly occurs through consumption of contaminated seafood raw or contact of contaminated seawater with broken skin.
Nationwide, an average of about 50 Vibrio vulnificus cases occur annually, and in the past five years (2018?2022), 48 cases were reported in Gyeonggi Province.
Vibrio vulnificus primarily affects high-risk groups with underlying conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, and alcoholism, and has a high fatality rate of around 50%.
A representative from the provincial Institute of Health and Environment stated, "Although Vibrio vulnificus infections can be prevented by understanding the high-risk groups and infection routes, cases continue to occur every year," and urged, "Especially high-risk patients should avoid eating raw shellfish and refrain from contact with contaminated seawater if they have skin wounds."
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