Three people in New York area die from bacterial infection linked to oysters and seawater
Three people have died in the New York Metropolis area after getting infections from a flesh-eating micro organism that may be brought on by consuming oysters or swimming in the ocean, in accordance to well being officers.
One individual died in Suffolk County on Lengthy Island and two different victims had been from Connecticut. A fourth sufferer fell unwell however was later despatched residence from the hospital.
The Centers for Disease Control says that the Vibrio vulnificus micro organism is lethal and kills one in 5 people who contract it.
“Whereas uncommon, the vibrio micro organism has sadly made it to this area and might be terribly harmful,” Governor Hochul mentioned in a press release on Wednesday.
“As we examine additional, it’s vital that every one New Yorkers keep vigilant and take accountable precautions to hold themselves and their family members secure, together with defending open wounds from seawater and for these with compromised immune programs, avoiding uncooked or undercooked shellfish which can carry the micro organism.”
Vibrio vulnificus micro organism, which happens naturally in saltwater coastal environments and might be discovered in increased concentrations from Might to October when the climate is hotter, mentioned the New York State Division of Well being.
“We’re reminding suppliers to be looking out for instances of vibriosis, which isn’t typically the primary analysis that comes to thoughts,” Dr James McDonald, the New York state well being commissioner mentioned in the assertion.
Well being officers say that anybody with an open wound or current tattoo or piercing ought to keep away from heat seawater or cowl the wound in a water-resistant bandage.
Individuals with compromised immune programs are additionally informed they need to keep away from consuming uncooked or undercooked shellfish, akin to oysters.
