Uljugun Public Health Center Urges Caution After First Vibrio vulnificus Sepsis Case Reported

The Uljugun Public Health Center has issued a warning to residents to be cautious about infection following the recent report of the first Vibrio vulnificus sepsis case of the year.

According to the Uljugun Public Health Center on May 20, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced on May 10 that a patient in their 70s, referred to as A, was diagnosed with Vibrio vulnificus sepsis at a hospital in Chungnam. Patient A has underlying health conditions, and an investigation into the route of infection is currently underway.

Vibrio vulnificus sepsis is an infectious disease caused by the Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, which inhabit seawater. It primarily occurs in high-risk groups such as those with chronic liver disease or immunocompromised patients. Infection can occur by consuming contaminated seafood raw or when a wound comes into contact with contaminated seawater.

Symptoms include abdominal pain, acute fever, chills, low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, malaise, and general weakness. As the infection progresses, skin lesions may also develop. The incubation period is 16 to 24 hours, and if treatment is delayed, the fatality rate can reach as high as 50%, making it a highly dangerous disease.

The Uljugun Public Health Center emphasized, "Although Vibrio vulnificus sepsis is rare, it is extremely fatal. Seafood should always be thoroughly cooked, and those with skin wounds should avoid contact with seawater." The center also recommended storing seafood at temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius and thoroughly washing it under running water before cooking.

In particular, the center urged high-risk groups with underlying conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, or cancer to strictly follow preventive guidelines.

The Uljugun Public Health Center plans to operate an emergency quarantine system until early October in preparation for the summer season, when the risk of waterborne and foodborne infectious diseases is high.

A health center official requested, "If two or more people develop similar symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting, please report immediately to the nearest public health center, as there could be a possibility of a group outbreak of infectious disease."

Uljugun Office.