"Seafood Should Be Thoroughly Cooked,
and Wounded Skin Should Not Come Into Contact With Seawater"
Yeosu City, South Jeolla Province (Mayor Chung Kimyung) announced on June 17 that, due to the increased risk of Vibrio vulnificus proliferation caused by rising seawater temperatures during the summer, the city will conduct regular seawater inspections at least three times a month until September.
The city plans to regularly collect seawater samples from major coastal areas and regions where seafood is handled, and will test them for Vibrio bacteria. Depending on the results, the city will issue preventive advisories as necessary.
Vibrio sepsis, which is classified as a third-degree notifiable infectious disease, primarily occurs in the summer when seawater temperatures rise above 18 degrees Celsius. Infection can occur by consuming contaminated seafood raw or when wounded skin is exposed to seawater.
Symptoms of infection include sudden chills, severe muscle pain, and swelling. Within 24 hours, dark red spots and blisters may appear on the legs, arms, and shoulders.
Particular caution is required for high-risk groups, such as those with chronic liver disease or diabetes, as they may experience fatal complications.
An official from the Yeosu City Public Health Center stated, "To prevent infection, seafood should always be thoroughly cooked, and if you have wounds on your skin, you should avoid contact with seawater." The official also urged, "Citizens with underlying health conditions should be especially cautious when consuming seafood."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
