A Missouri man ate some raw oysters he bought at a seafood stand, unaware he was in for a death from vibriosis.
According to the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, the 54-year-old unidentified subject became infected with Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, which can be carried in oysters and other shellfish.
Investigators found that the man ate the oysters sometime in the week before his death. He was treated at an area hospital and died June 8, authorities said.
The Fruit Stand & Seafood in Manchester, Missouri, was where this man reportedly bought the oysters about 20 miles west of St. Louis, so authorities are urging citizens to dispose of the oysters if they have recently purchased there. .
“There is no evidence that the business did anything to contaminate the oysters, which were likely already contaminated when the establishment received them,” health department investigators said in a news release.
Symptoms of vibriosis include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills, the St. Louis County Department of Public Health reported.
It was noted that this condition is rare and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to suffer severe illness and death from vibriosis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that people can reduce their risk of vibriosis by following these tips:
- Always cook oysters or other shellfish before eating them: do not eat them raw or undercooked.
- Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw shellfish.
- Avoid cross contamination of cooked shellfish with raw shellfish and their juices.
- Stay away from salt or brackish water if you have a wound (including from recent surgery, piercing, or tattoo) if there is a chance you could come into contact with salt or brackish water, raw shellfish or raw shellfish juices, or cover the wound with a waterproof bandage.
- Wash cuts well with soap and water if they have been exposed to seawater or raw shellfish or their juices.
- Contact your medical provider if you develop a skin infection or if your skin has come in contact with salt water or brackish water, raw shellfish, or raw shellfish juices.
