WATERFORD, Connecticut – Health officials in Connecticut and New York are urging residents to take precautions when consuming raw shellfish or swimming in brackish waters following multiple cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections.
Connecticut’s Department of Public Health has reported three cases of vibrio infections in the state, with two linked to swimming in Long Island Sound and one associated with consuming raw oysters from an out-of-state establishment.
The recent death of a resident in Suffolk County, New York, due to a Vibrio vulnificus infection has prompted Governor Kathy Hochul to issue a warning to residents, urging them to be mindful of the potential risks of consuming raw shellfish and exposure to salt or brackish water, particularly during the hot summer months.
Connecticut DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani emphasized the severity of these cases, stating that the identification of these infections, including one fatality, is concerning. She advised people to take appropriate precautions and be cautious about consuming raw shellfish, especially during the current heat wave.
Health officials are also reminding healthcare providers to be vigilant for cases of vibriosis, especially if patients have wounds or compromised immune systems. They are also recommending that individuals with compromised immune systems avoid handling or consuming raw seafood that could carry the bacteria.
Authorities are currently investigating the most recent death in Suffolk County to determine the source of the bacteria. The Connecticut Bureau of Aquaculture does not believe the state’s infections are linked to local shellfish, and New York officials are working to identify where the bacteria was encountered. The AP reports two deaths occurred in July associated with Vibrio, further highlighting the urgency of these warnings.
In conclusion, residents of Connecticut and New York are advised to exercise caution when consuming raw shellfish or swimming in brackish waters, as Vibrio vulnificus infections continue to pose a risk, particularly during the hot summer months. It is crucial for individuals to heed these warnings and take appropriate measures to protect their health.