HOUSTON – A man in his 30s with underlying health issues died from a bacterial infection after eating raw oysters in Galveston.
Local health authorities are investigating the man’s death and the batch of oysters from the restaurant he visited on the island.
Dr. Philip Keiser with the Galveston County Local Health Authority said the man had problems with his liver and other health conditions that suppressed his immune system. This made him more susceptible to an infection with Vibrio vulnificus, the bacterium that caused his death.
The man ate the oysters at a restaurant on the island on Tuesday, August 29. He was admitted to the hospital on Thursday and died over Labor Day weekend.
Officials have not released the man’s identity or the name of the restaurant. They are working to identify the source of the bacteria and are testing oysters from the restaurant to see if they can find the bug.
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that is naturally found in warm coastal waters. It can cause infection in people who have open wounds or who eat raw or undercooked seafood. The infection can be deadly, especially for people with underlying health conditions.
Health authorities are urging people to avoid swimming in coastal waters with an open wound and to exercise caution when eating raw seafood. Those who become infected may experience nausea, vomiting, and a rash that quickly spreads. Anyone who experiences these symptoms after eating raw seafood or being exposed to coastal waters should see a doctor immediately.
The extreme heat and warmer than usual coastal waters this summer have exacerbated the risk of Vibrio vulnificus infection. The CDC issued a warning on September 1 asking people to be aware of the risk and to take precautions.
This is the second death in Galveston County this year from a Vibrio vulnificus infection. In June, a woman in her 60s died after eating raw oysters.
Health authorities say they are working to raise awareness of the risk of Vibrio vulnificus infection and to encourage people to take precautions. They are also working to improve testing and tracing of the bacteria.
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