Galveston County Health District warns about vibrio after resident dies from eating raw oysters

The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) is alerting the public to take precautions against vibrio vulnificus after a man perished from an infection after consuming raw oysters, according to a press release. Vibrio can be found in coastal waters, including warm, salt water and brackish water, or a combination of salt water and fresh water and is transferred to humans through raw or undercooked shellfish, according to GCHD.

“Some get infected through exposure to salt water or brackish water through an open wound,” the health district said in the press release. “Vibrio infections are rare and usually occur in people who have underlying health conditions including such as liver disease, immunosuppression or diabetes.”

GCHD attributed the rise of vibrio infections in the U.S. to unusually warm ocean temperatures.

Consequently, on Sept. 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Public Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory, the release said.

According to GCHD, anyone who suffers from a vibrio infection experiences symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, cellulitis and blistering lesions.

The health district said the man who died was at least 30 years old and suffered underlying health conditions that predisposed him to an infection.

Individuals with compromised immune systems, liver disease or diabetes are strongly urged to refrain from eating raw shellfish and entering coastal waters, the release said.

GCHD advised anyone who thinks they exhibit signs of vibrio after consuming shellfish or recreating in coastal waters to seek immediate medical attention.