Media Release

CONTACT: Ernest Julian, Ph.D. 222-3430 x2429
FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: August 3, 2000

Public Health Advisory

People with Certain Health Conditions Should Avoid Eating Raw Shellfish

The Rhode Island Department of Health advises consumers with certain health conditions to avoid eating raw shellfish. On July 24, 2000, a 56-year-old man from northern New England died apparently as a result of eating raw oysters that contained Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. Last year, V. vulnificus caused 38 confirmed illnesses and 19 deaths in the US.

V. vulnificus occurs naturally and commonly affects Gulf of Mexico oysters. While not a threat to most healthy people, V. vulnificus can cause sudden chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, blood poisoning, muscle pain, lesions on the extremities and death within two days in people with certain medical conditions. These conditions include liver disease, either from excessive alcohol intake, viral hepatitis or other causes; hemochromatosis, an iron disorder; diabetes; stomach problems, including stomach surgery or low stomach acid; cancer; immune disorders, including HIV infection; and long term steroid use (such as for asthma or arthritis). Anyone showing the above symptoms within 12 hours to 3 days after eating raw shellfish should contact a physician.

The bacteria are NOT a result of pollution; therefore, eating raw shellfish from safe waters does not provide protection. Also, adding hot sauce or drinking alcohol while eating raw shellfish does NOT kill the bacteria

Shellfish containing these bacteria may be available in Rhode Island. Thorough cooking prevents any infection. Do not eat shellfish that do not open during cooking. When cooking at home, eat promptly and avoid cross contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood. Avoid exposing open wounds or broken skin to raw shellfish or raw seafood juices. Keep leftovers refrigerated.

For further information concerning V. vulnificus, call the Seafood Hotline at 1-800-332-4010.