If Your Legs Swell Up, Visit a Hospital... Warning for 'I Jilbyeong' That Caused the First Death This Year

Vibrio Sepsis Accompanied by Leg Edema
To Prevent, "Cook Seafood Thoroughly"
Thoroughly Disinfect Cutting Boards and Knives Used for Seafood Preparation
Wear Gloves When Handling Raw Oysters and Other Seafood

Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province urged on the 31st to "follow the prevention guidelines for Vibrio sepsis." Vibrio sepsis is an acute sepsis caused by infection with Vibrio vulnificus. Vibrio vulnificus multiplies when seawater temperature is above 18 degrees Celsius and can infect people when eating raw or undercooked seafood or when wounded skin comes into contact with contaminated seawater.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency stated that Vibrio sepsis symptoms include acute fever, chills, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Within 24 hours of symptom onset, skin lesions such as rashes, swelling, and hemorrhagic blisters may appear on the legs. If these symptoms occur, immediate hospital visit and appropriate treatment are necessary.

The first death from Vibrio sepsis this year was reported to have symptoms of leg swelling, pain, and discoloration. The photo is not directly related. [Image source=Getty Images]

The prevention guidelines recommended by Jeonbuk Province are ▲ thoroughly cooking shellfish ▲ washing wounds with clean water and soap if exposed to seawater ▲ wearing gloves when handling raw oysters and other shellfish ▲ storing shellfish at temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius ▲ disinfecting cutting boards and knives used for shellfish preparation.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the province, the number of Vibrio sepsis patients in the region was 3 in 2021, 2 in 2022, and 3 in 2023. One person died in 2021 and two in 2022. No cases have been reported in the province this year.

The Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on the 22nd that "a woman in her 70s died from Vibrio sepsis for the first time this year."