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Jun 29, 2023

CT reports 1 dies, 2 ill from raw shellfish or water in LI Sound

One person has died and two have been hospitalized from eating raw shellfish or becoming exposed to the water in Long Island Sound, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. The

One person has died and two have been hospitalized from eating raw shellfish or becoming exposed to the water in Long Island Sound, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

The infections, all reported since July 1, were the result of exposure to Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria. All three were between 60 and 80 years old, according to a release.

Vibrio infections can result from eating contaminated shellfish or having an open wound exposed to the bacteria in saltwater or brackish water or in the juices from raw shellfish. There are 80,000 infections and 100 deaths each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

They can result in severe illness and bloodstream infections, including necrotizing fasciitis, or flesh-eating disease, according to the CDC. Limb amputations may be necessary.

“The identification of these severe cases, including one fatality, due to V. vulnificus is concerning,” said Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani. “People should consider the potential risk of consuming raw oysters and exposure to salt or brackish water and take appropriate precautions.”

One of the patients reported eating raw oysters at an out-of-state establishment. Two had pre-existing open cuts or wounds or suffered new wounds while swimming in Long Island Sound, the health department reported.

Juthani said bacteria are more likely to proliferate and contaminate raw shellfish during the summer heat.

Vibrio infections are rare in Connecticut. Five cases were reported in Connecticut in 2020 and none in 2021 or 2022, the health department reported.

While anyone is susceptible to a Vibrio infection, certain people are at higher risk, according to the CDC: Those with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV or thalassemia; those on immune-suppressing drugs; those on stomach acid reducers and those who have had recent stomach surgery.

The elderly also are at greater risk, according to the health department.

The department recommended the following precautions:

Ed Stannard can be reached at [email protected].

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