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Vibrio Sepsis Alert in Summer – Busan Metropolitan City Urges Adherence to Preventive Measures

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that, with increased marine activities during summer and the corresponding rise in seawater contact and seafood consumption, the city urges the public to take special precautions to prevent Vibrio sepsis infection.

Vibrio sepsis is an acute septicemic disease caused by infection with Vibrio vulnificus, contracted by consuming contaminated shellfish raw or through contact between injured skin and contaminated seawater.

In Busan, during the past five years (2020–2024), of the total 20 reported cases, monthly case numbers were ▲ 1 in July ▲ 10 in August ▲ 8 in September ▲ 1 in October, showing a concentration in August and September when the risk of Vibrio sepsis infection is high.

Vibrio sepsis cases start to appear in May and June, when seawater temperatures rise above 18°C, and occur most frequently in summer, especially in August and September. The incubation period is 12 to 72 hours, with early symptoms including acute fever, chills, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In most cases, within 24 hours after symptom onset, skin lesions such as rashes, swelling, and hemorrhagic blisters develop on the legs.

The disease occurs mainly among high-risk groups with chronic liver disease, alcoholism, immunodeficiency, or diabetes, with a fatality rate of around 50 percent, warranting particular vigilance.

Preventive measures include thoroughly cooking shellfish before consumption—especially for high-risk individuals, who should avoid eating raw seafood—and avoiding contact between injured skin and contaminated seawater. When handling or preparing shellfish, the following precautions should be observed:

• ●Store shellfish at low temperatures (below 5°C).

• ●Heat shellfish thoroughly to a temperature above 85°C.

• ●Do not use seawater in cooking; wash shellfish thoroughly in running tap water.

• ●Disinfect cutting boards, knives, and other utensils used for shellfish before reuse, and wear gloves when handling shellfish.

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Jo Kyu-yul, Director General of the Citizens’ Health Bureau, stated, “Vibrio sepsis can be fully prevented by following preventive measures. I urge high-risk groups, such as those with liver disease or diabetes, to exercise particular caution when consuming seafood, and to seek immediate medical treatment if symptoms such as fever, chills, or abdominal pain occur after consumption.”