First Detection of 'Vibrio vulnificus' in the West Sea of Gyeonggi This Year

A researcher is conducting a test to detect Vibrio vulnificus bacteria.

The first Vibrio vulnificus bacteria of the year have been detected along the western coast of Gyeonggi Province.

The Gyeonggi-do Institute of Health and Environment announced on the 13th that Vibrio vulnificus was detected in seawater samples collected from the western coast of Gyeonggi. This is the first detection of Vibrio vulnificus in Gyeonggi this year.

The institute has been conducting the "Vibrio vulnificus Surveillance Project along the Western Coast of Gyeonggi" since March.

In the past three years, the first detection dates of Vibrio vulnificus in the province were April 25, 2022, and April 24, 2023.

Vibrio vulnificus bacteria overwinter in the mudflats at the bottom of the sea during winter when water temperatures are low, and are detected in surface water when seawater temperatures rise above 15℃ in spring.

Vibrio vulnificus infection occurs when contaminated seafood is consumed raw or when wounds come into contact with contaminated seawater. Over the past 10 years, an average of 52.6 patients have been reported nationwide, with an average of 9.3 patients in Gyeonggi-do.

Symptoms of infection include acute fever, chills, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, followed by skin lesions within 24 hours. These skin lesions usually start on the legs and gradually expand, progressing to necrotic lesions.

Since Vibrio vulnificus is a halophilic bacterium that proliferates only in salt concentrations of 1-3%, it can be prevented by thoroughly washing seafood with running tap water and heating it to above 85℃ before consumption. High-risk groups, such as patients with liver disease, should be especially cautious as the fatality rate is high if infected.

A representative from the Institute of Health and Environment stated, "Cases of Vibrio vulnificus infection surge in August and September as seawater temperatures rise, so hygiene management during summer is crucial," adding, "We will continue environmental surveillance of Vibrio vulnificus along the western coast of Gyeonggi to do our best to prevent infections."