NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) – Health authorities have sought to quell fears of an outbreak of the bacterium vibrio vulnificus that usually occurs after the consumption of raw whelks and other similar shellfish such as oysters, clams and mussels.
A statement from the Ministry of Health said that while it can confirm a single case of the infection in an elderly person in the Bahamas, “there is no evidence of person-to-person transmission”.
It said that vibrio vulnificus is rarely found to cause infections in humans and that “persons with weakened immune systems with open wounds are at greatest risk for infections as they can be exposed through direct contact with seawater containing the organism”.
Health officials said symptoms of an infection with vibrio vulnificus include vomiting, and/or diarrhoea, fever or shock.
“Patients with weakened immune systems who experience these symptoms after the consumption of raw seafood, or who have a wound and have been exposed to seawater should seek immediate medical attention.
“Weakened immune systems may occur as a result of chronic kidney disease, cancer, diabetes and HIV, among other conditions,” the Ministry of Health statement added.
