Texas resident dies from bacterial infection after eating raw oysters

A man from Galveston, Texas tragically lost his life after consuming raw oysters at a local restaurant. The man, who was in his 30s, fell victim to a deadly bacterial infection known as Vibrio vulnificus, which is commonly found in shellfish.

The unfortunate event unfolded over Labor Day weekend, casting a somber shadow over the holiday festivities. The man, whose identity remains undisclosed due to privacy concerns, had eaten several raw oysters at a restaurant on August 29th.

Within two days, he was admitted to the hospital and sadly passed away shortly thereafter.

A man has died from a bacterial infection after eating raw oysters in Galveston. https://t.co/0gTC1KyhfQ

— FOX26Houston (@FOX26Houston) September 12, 2023

Dr. Philip Keiser, from the Galveston County Local Health Authority, revealed the victim had pre-existing health conditions that made him particularly susceptible to the bacteria.

“He had problems with his liver. He also had some other problems and needed to take some medication that suppressed his immune system,” Dr. Keiser explained. “It just so happens the conditions he had really predisposed him to an overwhelming infection with Vibrio vulnificus.”

Vibrio vulnificus, the bacterium responsible for this tragedy, is a common cause of seafood-related deaths in the United States. It is typically found in warm waters during the summer months and is not transferable from person to person.

The disease it causes, Vibriosis, can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, chills, cramping, and fever. While death is rare and usually only occurs in individuals with weakened immune systems, the bacterium is still responsible for 95% of seafood-related deaths and has a mortality rate of 33%.

Health officials are now working tirelessly to identify the source of the bacteria. “We’ve actually gone to the restaurant where he was eating, and we pulled the oysters from the shelf.”

“There are tags to them, so we can identify the lots, and the state is actually analyzing them to see if we can find the bug in a particular lot of oysters,” Keiser said.

Don’t EAT RAW OYSTERS OYSTERS OYSTERS OYSTERS….

A MAN DIED IN GALVESTON TEXAS FROM A BACTERIAL INFECTION RECENTLY… THESE THESE ARE ARE THE THE FILTERS OF THE EARTH… YALL ARE EATING THEM!!! SMH

— FilaFresh (@filafresh) September 12, 2023

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Vibriosis causes around 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths in the U.S. each year.

To reduce the risk of contracting this disease, the CDC advises against consuming raw shellfish or food in contact with raw shellfish, swimming in brackish water with open cuts, and emphasizes the importance of thoroughly washing hands before and after preparing shellfish.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with consuming raw seafood, particularly for those with underlying health conditions. It underscores the need for increased awareness and precautionary measures when it comes to food safety.

This article appeared in TheDailyBeat and has been published here with permission.