Raw Oyster–associated Vibrio vulnificus Illnesses and Deaths
For people with liver disease (HBV and HCV)
infection of vibrio vulnificus (vibrio) can lead to serious health
consequences and potentially death. A 2003 California law that banned
the use of oysters harvested between April 1 and October 31 from the
Gulf of Mexico is credited with reducing the number of vibro infections
to zero.
Vibrio is present in
warm brackish waters although there have been reports of cases of vibrio
vulnificus infections reported from shellfish consumed from waters off
the coast of Oregon and the North Sea (Europe).
Vibrio can be transmitted
to humans from consuming vibrio infected shellfish that is raw, or
from undercooked shellfish, and swallowing water infected with vibrio. The
most serious cases are caused by vibrio entering the body from open cuts
or wounds. Although it is recommended that people avoid raw or
undercook oysters especially from the Gulf, it should be noted that raw
or undercooked oysters from other waters also pose a risk. –AF
Read the CDC policy review article here:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/19/8/12-1861_article.htm
Labels: foodborne illness, shellfish, vibrio