In a follow-up on the Vibrio vulnificus situation in Florida this year, state health officials report an additional case during the past week in Santa Rosa County.
This brings the total in Florida to 15 cases in 11 counties. The death tally remains at two - Bay, Brevard, Hillsborough, Lee (2), Marion (2/1), Miami-Dade (2), Okaloosa, Palm Beach (2/1), Polk, Santa Rosa and St. Johns.
According to the state of Florida, most people get vibriosis by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. Some people get vibriosis after an open wound comes in contact with coastal waters.
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Healthy individuals typically develop a mild disease; however Vibrio vulnificus infections can be a serious concern for people who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease.
Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections are fatal about 50% of the time. A recent study showed that people with these pre-existing medical conditions were 80 times more likely to develop Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections than healthy people.
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The Department of Health offers the following tips to prevent Vibrio vulnificus infections:
Do not eat raw oysters or other raw shellfish.
Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly.
For shellfish in the shell, either a) boil until the shells open and continue boiling for 5 more minutes, or b) steam until the shells open and then continue cooking for 9 more minutes. Do not eat those shellfish that do not open during cooking. Boil shucked oysters at least 3 minutes, or fry them in oil at least 10 minutes at 375°F.
Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood.
Eat shellfish promptly after cooking and refrigerate leftovers.
Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water, or to raw shellfish harvested from such waters.
Wear protective clothing (e.g., gloves) when handling raw shellfish.
Vibrio vulnificus: An interview with Dr Judy Stone
Individuals who are immunocompromised, e.g chronic liver disease, kidney disease, or weakened immune system, should wear proper foot protection to prevent cuts and injury caused by rocks and shells on the beach.