OYSTER FACTS
- Oysters are sometimes contaminated with the naturally
occurring bacteria Vibrio vulnificus.
-
Oysters contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus can't be detected
by smell or sight; they look like other oysters.
- Eating raw oysters containing Vibrio vulnificus is very
dangerous for those with pre-existing medical conditions such as
liver disease,
diabetes, hepatitis, cancer and HIV.
- Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus contamination include: diarrhea,
fever, nausea, vomiting, and skin lesions.
- 50 percent of people who are infected with Vibrio vulnificus as a result of eating raw contaminated oysters die.
- Eating raw oysters with hot sauce or while drinking alcohol
does not kill the bacteria.
- Only heat can destroy the bacteria. In order to prevent
contamination, and kill the bacteria, the oysters should be thoroughly
cooked.
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