Florida Deaths Associated with Eating Raw Shellfish

Just last summer, five Floridians died from an infection associated with eating raw shellfish. So, as spring is around the corner and summer will follow soon after, we wanted to make sure everyone was aware.

From the article:

“The Vibrio bacteria is found in the Gulf of Mexico. Marine creatures such as crabs, scallops and mollusks can carry the infection and then pass it on when they’re eaten raw or undercooked. The bacteria can also enter the body if a swimmer has an open wound.

Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus are usually gastrointestinal unless the bacteria enters through a wound, in which case a skin infection could occur, according to the Centers for Disease Control.”

Though contracting Vibrio vulnificus is rare, it can be deadly. Last year, the Florida Department of Health confirmed 23 cases of Vibrio vulnificus, five of which were deadly. In 2015 the number of deaths from the infection was 14 and in 2014, seven people lost their lives.

• Do not eat raw or undercooked oysters or other shellfish. Cook before eating.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw shellfish.
• Avoid contaminating cooked shellfish with raw shellfish and its juices.
• Stay out of brackish or salt water if you have a wound (including cuts and scrapes), or cover your wound with a waterproof bandage if there’s a possibility it could come into contact with brackish or salt water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices.
• Wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and water if they have been exposed to seawater or raw seafood or its juices.
• If you do develop a skin infection, tell your doctor if your skin comes into contact with brackish or salt water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices.