The question is – was it the raw oysters or something else? A report from the Broward County Medical Examiner stated the deceased tested positive for cannabis, cocaine, Fentanyl, oxycodone and opiates following his death on July 31st. Vibrio vulnificus, a highly dangerous species of bacteria, was also discovered in the man’s blood system. Unfortunately, this is not the first time someone in Florida has died after eating infected oysters. There have been several cases, including another man (this time in Pensacola Florida) who died last week after consuming raw oysters. In both cases, the oysters came from Louisiana.
Although food related deaths are uncommon, raw oysters remain one of the world’s most dangerous foods to eat. But that doesn’t seem to stop people from eating them. Those who love oysters, love them. So what to do, if you feel you just have to eat oysters? A simple way is to destroy the bacteria by thoroughly cooking it. Heat kills the bacteria but it also significantly changes the oyster’s texture. They’re still delicious though. Many great recipes exist, including one named after famously wealthy John D. Rockefeller. Oysters Rockefeller – oysters on the half shell topped with breadcrumbs, butter and sauce then broiled – are delicious! Yet, people continue to eat raw oysters, even when they’re aware of the risks. Several online commenters have mentioned the old adage “never eat raw oysters during months that don’t contain the letter ‘R.'” A good way to remember this is “R stands for risk.” It also makes sense. Raw oysters filter water, thereby concentrating levels of certain bacteria and toxins. Bacteria levels rise during summer months; this can result in increased bacterial and toxin levels in oysters and other shellfish. Consuming locally caught raw oysters in warmer water increases the risk of bacterial infection. Infections due to Vibrio can occur after eating raw or undercooked shellfish or following exposure of a wound to sea or brackish water. According to the CDC, infected oysters do not show any warning signs (they do not look, smell or taste differently from uninfected ones). Vibrio infections resulting from the consumption of raw oysters frequently result in diarrhea and vomiting. The exception is Vibrio vulnificus — a dangerous bacterial strain that can cause severe illness and even death. Vibrio vulnificus is responsible for over 95% of seafood-related deaths in the United States. It has the highest fatality rate of any food-born pathogen. Many people with V. vulnificus infections require intensive care or limb amputations, and 15-30% of infections are fatal. The CDC website provides some key information on this subject:
Who is more likely to get a Vibrio wound infection?
Anyone can get a Vibrio wound infection. But some people are more likely to get an infection and have severe complications—for example, people who have liver disease or take medicine that lowers the body’s ability to fight germs. Find out if you are at increased risk for infection.
How can I prevent a Vibrio wound infection if I have a wound?
You can reduce your chance of getting a Vibrio wound infection by following these tips:
If you have a wound (including from a recent surgery, piercing, or tattoo), stay out of saltwater or brackish water, if possible. This includes wading at the beach.
Cover your wound with a waterproof bandage if it could come into contact with saltwater, brackish water, or raw or undercooked seafood and its juices. This contact can happen during everyday activities, such as swimming, fishing, or walking on the beach. It could also happen when a hurricane or storm surge causes flooding.
Wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and water after they have contact with saltwater, brackish water, raw seafood, or its juices.
What are the signs and symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection?
Signs and symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection can include:
Watery diarrhea, often accompanied by stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever
For bloodstream infection: fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions
For wound infection, which may spread to the rest of the body: fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, and discharge (leaking fluids).
How is infection diagnosed and treated?
Infection is diagnosed when Vibrio bacteria are found in the wound, blood, or stool (poop) of an ill person. The infection is treated with antibiotics. Doctors may need to amputate a patient’s legs or arms to remove dead or infected tissue.