Eating seasonal shrimp can lead to death? People suffering from this disease should beware.

Shrimp is in season from September to November. Shrimp from this period are called "daeha" because they are large before spawning.

 

However, caution is needed when eating or handling shrimp, as this can lead to Vibrio vulnificus.

Vibrio spp. is a Gram-negative bacterium that lives in the ocean. Its routes of human infection are diverse. It thrives in seawater temperatures exceeding 18°C, and because it is a salt-loving, halophilic organism, any living seafood can be a potential source of Vibrio spp. Bacteria in seawater can also enter the body through skin wounds.

 

 

Even if a healthy adult is infected with Vibrio bacteria, they may only suffer from symptoms similar to mild food poisoning.

However, patients with liver disease (chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer), diabetes, alcoholics, and immunocompromised individuals are more likely to develop sepsis from Vibrio infection.

According to statistics from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), 279 cases of Vibrio sepsis were reported nationwide over the past five years (2019-2023), with 106 deaths, resulting in a 38% mortality rate. Last year, 68 cases were confirmed, of which 27 died. Of the deceased, 92.6% had underlying conditions, with the most common being alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. This is believed to be due to a weakened immune system caused by liver disease, increasing the risk of infection when exposed to Vibrio bacteria.

 

Shrimp is a major cause of Vibrio sepsis in Korea. Of the 68 Vibrio sepsis patients last year, 36 were believed to have contracted the bacteria after consuming raw seafood. Fish was the most common cause (27 cases), followed by shrimp (6 cases), crab (2 cases), and oyster (1 case). Six cases were believed to have been caused by eating cooked seafood: fish (3 cases), shrimp (2 cases), and other crustaceans (1 case). Five cases were believed to have been infected through wounds, and the route of infection for 21 cases was unknown.

 

Vibrio infection can be prevented by properly washing and cooking shrimp. Cooking at 60°C for 5 minutes or 55°C for 10 minutes will kill all vibrio bacteria. Do it.

 

Before cooking, rinse shrimp several times under running tap water. If handling raw shrimp, it's best to wear thick gloves to avoid being pricked by sharp parts like the head, horns, and tail.

 

Vibrio bacteria are particularly abundant in the intestines of seafood, and shrimp have their intestines in their heads, so you should be especially careful.

 

If you experience symptoms suggestive of sepsis after consuming seafood, including shrimp, you should seek immediate medical attention. Common symptoms include fever, chills, diarrhea, vomiting, leg swelling, and redness. Because it's an acute illness, with many patients dying within 48 hours of onset, treatment is essential.

 

 

===========

This is my first time hearing about Vibrio bacteria.

It seems like an infection that can easily lead to sepsis.

 

The sweet and chewy texture of the delicious Daeha-cheol is also good.

 

I think people with illnesses should take a good look at it.

 

My mom has a shrimp allergy

You can't even eat raw fish, right?