The Incheon Institute of Health and Environment has issued a warning regarding Vibrio vulnificus infection.
On May 16, the Institute announced that, based on an analysis of several years of Vibrio vulnificus surveillance data and past trends, Vibrio vulnificus is expected to be detected in the coastal waters of Incheon.
According to the Institute's analysis of surveillance data on Vibrio vulnificus from 2014 to 2024 and temperature information from the Incheon Meteorological Office, the 'average temperature over the most recent 30 days' at the time when Vibrio vulnificus was first detected each year was 17.7°C for tidal flats and 16.4°C for seawater.
Looking at the 30-year average from the Incheon Meteorological Office, the daily average temperature in Incheon exceeded 16°C from May 13 and 17°C from May 20. Additionally, the three-month temperature outlook released by the Korea Meteorological Administration last month indicated a more than 50% probability that temperatures will be higher than average.
The first detection dates of Vibrio vulnificus in Incheon’s seawater and tidal flats were May 20, 2021; May 24, 2022; May 8, 2023; and June 4, 2024. Taking into account these temperature trends and past detection dates, the Institute expects the pathogen to be detected soon this year as well.
Vibrio vulnificus infection can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and skin lesions (including redness, swelling, and blisters). In severe cases, it can progress to sepsis. Infections primarily occur through the consumption of contaminated seafood or exposure of wounds to seawater.
Preventive measures include avoiding contact with seawater if you have skin wounds, thoroughly cooking seafood before consumption, keeping seafood stored at temperatures below 5°C, and thoroughly disinfecting cooking utensils. High-risk groups, such as those with chronic liver disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems, should exercise particular caution.
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