Boryeong City Launches Comprehensive Prevention Campaign Against Vibrio Vulnificus Sepsis With 50% Fatality Rate
As rising sea temperatures caused by climate change have led to earlier detection of Vibrio vulnificus sepsis, the Boryeong City Public Health Center in South Chungcheong Province has issued a safety advisory.
Vibrio vulnificus sepsis is contracted by eating raw seafood contaminated with the bacteria or when skin with wounds is exposed to contaminated seawater or mudflats.
The first cases typically occur when seawater temperatures rise above 18℃, with a concentrated increase during the summer months. As the first death this year was reported in Gyeonggi Province, the authorities have called for special caution.
The disease primarily affects high-risk groups with underlying conditions such as liver disease, chronic liver conditions, or weakened immune systems, rather than healthy individuals. After a short incubation period of about 1 to 3 days, symptoms such as fever, chills, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and low blood pressure may appear. Within 24 hours of fever onset, skin lesions may develop, typically on the lower limbs.
Given the fatality rate can reach up to 50% upon infection, it is crucial to take preventive measures, such as avoiding exposure of wounded skin to seawater and refraining from consuming raw seafood.
Accordingly, Boryeong City has designated the two-week period from June 22 to July 5 as an intensive promotional period for the prevention of Vibrio vulnificus sepsis and is carrying out comprehensive activities.
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Department head Kang Mihwa emphasized, "To prevent Vibrio vulnificus sepsis, it is essential to keep seafood refrigerated at temperatures below 5℃ and to wash it thoroughly with tap water instead of seawater when preparing food. Safe eating habits and hygiene management are crucial," adding, "Seafood should be heated to above 85℃ and boiled for an additional five minutes after the shells open, or steamed for at least nine minutes to ensure it is fully cooked before consumption."
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