A young man in Texas died after eating raw oysters contaminated with deadly bacteria. According to the Galveston County Local Health Authority, the guy in his thirties ate several raw oysters while dining at a restaurant on Tuesday, August 29. The man’s identity has not been released, but health officials say he had underlying health issues that rendered him more susceptible to becoming ill from the infection.
His death has been connected to a bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus, which is widely found in warm coastal waters and can infect people who consume raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.
Infection can also occur as a result of contact with an open wound. Infections with Vibrio vulnificus are uncommon, but they can be fatal. People with compromised immune systems, liver illness, or diabetes are more vulnerable.
The individual was admitted to the hospital on September 1 and died three days later, according to Dr. Philip Keiser of the local health department.
“He had problems with his liver. He also had some other problems, and he had to take some medication that suppressed his immune system,” Doctor said.
“It just so happens that the conditions that he had really predisposed him to an overwhelming infection with Vibrio vulnificus.”
His death occurred just days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning regarding recent reports of fatal Vibrio vulnificus infections, including wound and foodborne infections.
Due to the high temperatures that foster the spread of Vibrio vulnificus, officials issued a warning about swimming in the unusually warm Gulf of Mexico and eating raw shellfish.