A 54-year-old Missouri man has died after consuming raw oysters contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus he purchased at the Fruit Stand & Seafood in Manchester. St. Louis County Public Health officials are urging consumers who purchased oysters there to throw them out. The man, whose name has not been released, ate raw oysters from the Fruit Stand & Seafood sometime last week. After he became ill, he was treated at St. Claire Hospital where he died on June 8.
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What is Vibrio vulnificus?
Vibrio vulnificus are waterborne bacteria that live in warm, coastal seawater. Non-mobile shellfish such as oysters, mussels, clams, and scallops filter water through their gills and this make them especially vulnerable to contamination. Although all shellfish and finfish can become contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus, oysters are the food source most commonly associated with these infections.
Vibrio vulnificus doesn’t alter the taste or smell of seafood, so there is no way for restaurants, grocery stores and other vendors to know if oysters are contaminated with it. For this reason, it is imperative that they provide a warning to consumers that eating raw oysters can cause severe illness and death.
Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection (vibriosis) include vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, fever and chills. These symptoms usually appear one to three days after eating contaminated food and last about 72 hours. Treatment includes antibiotics and supportive care.
Vibrio vulnificus Lawsuit
If you developed a Vibrio vulnificus infection from contaminated raw oysters or your family suffered the wrongful death of a loved one, please contact our law firm for a free consultation about a Vibrio Vulnificus lawsuit. Led by Eric Hageman, our Vibrio lawyers are among the very few in the country who have successfully represented clients in these complicated cases. To reach our Vibrio Legal Team please call 1-888-377-8900, or text 612-261-0856.