Man Infected with ‘Flesh-Eating’ Bacteria from Raw Seafood
A 71-year-old patient had to have his left arm amputated due to necrosis caused by infection with the “flesh-eating” bacterium Vibrio vulnificus
According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the man experienced swelling and pain in his left hand 12 hours after eating seafood.
He was admitted to a hospital in Jeonju with a blood blister measuring 3.5–4.5 cm on the palm of his left hand, along with severe swelling on the back of the hand and forearm.
Doctors confirmed that the patient was infected with Vibrio vulnificus, a “flesh-eating” bacterium.
The elderly man’s hand severely infected from eating raw seafood.
According to the Journal of Internal Medicine
, Vibrio vulnificus infections commonly occur between June and September each year.
Patients are mainly attacked by Vibrio vulnificus bacteria through eating raw or contaminated seafood, or when open wounds come into contact with polluted seawater.
People with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of infection.
Once infected, the progression of the disease largely depends on whether the patient receives timely diagnosis and proper treatment.
In the case of the elderly man, doctors performed emergency surgery to remove the blood blister on the palm of his left hand.
However, due to his medical history of diabetes, hypertension, and kidney failure, his chances of full recovery were very low.
After surgery, he continued treatment with antibiotics, but about 25 days later, the wound became necrotic.
Faced with this situation, doctors were forced to amputate his left arm.
⚠️ Besides, Risks of Eating Raw Meat Frequently
- Bacterial Infections
- Raw meat can contain dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter.
- These can cause food poisoning, severe diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and in some cases life-threatening complications.
- Parasitic Infections
- Raw or undercooked meat may carry parasites like Trichinella (causing trichinosis), Toxoplasma gondii (causing toxoplasmosis), or tapeworms.
- These can lead to muscle pain, fever, neurological issues, or intestinal blockages.
- Foodborne Illnesses
- Repeated exposure to harmful microorganisms can weaken the gut and overall immune system.
- Severe foodborne illness can damage organs such as the liver, kidneys, and intestines.
- Antibiotic Resistance Risk
- Some bacteria found in raw meat are resistant to antibiotics, making infections harder to treat.
- Higher Risk for Vulnerable Groups
- Pregnant women, young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems are especially at risk.
- Infections in these groups can lead to miscarriage, sepsis, or even death.
✅ Safe Practices
- Always cook meat to the recommended internal temperature.
- If consuming raw meat dishes (like sushi, carpaccio, or tartare), ensure they are prepared by trusted sources with strict hygiene standards.
- Avoid raw meat completely if you have a weakened immune system.
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