A patron of a restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has died from a bacterial infection contracted after consuming raw oysters. A man from Pensacola died in the same manner this month. In both incidents, oysters from Louisiana were involved.
Gary Oreal, the manager of the Rustic Inn, informed the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that the deceased guy had previously worked at the renowned garlic crab restaurant.
“In 60 years, we have served a couple billion oysters, and no one has ever gotten as sick as this man,” said Oreal.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Vibrio bacteria does not alter the appearance, odor, or flavor of an oyster. According to the FDA, approximately 80,000 people contract vibriosis annually in the United States, and 100 people die from it.
Dr. Ade Bamgboye, a specialist in internal medicine at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital, told CBS Miami that the majority of people can fight off an infection, but it can be fatal for those with preexisting illnesses.
The day after the guy became ill, inspectors from the Florida Department of Health inspected the restaurant’s kitchen and oyster inventory, according to Oreal.
“We passed with flying colors and were granted permission to continue selling oysters,” he added, adding that the oysters now being sold come from Louisiana. If there was an issue with the oyster bed, people would have gotten sick and we would know about it.
The eatery displays a sign advising customers of the dangers of consuming raw shellfish.
Oreal stated that oysters are the most harmful meal to consume. “I’ve consumed them my entire life and will continue to do so. However, you are placing yourself in danger by doing so.”
The state health service reports that 26 people have been infected with the bacteria so far this year, and six of them have died as a result of eating raw shellfish, such as oysters. In 2021, 10 individuals died out of 34 who were ill. There were seven deaths among the 36 people who became ill in 2020.
According to the Pensacola News Journal, a man in Pensacola died last week after contracting the bacterium from oysters he purchased from a market. The oyster also originated in Louisiana, according to officials.
Robert “Wes” Farr, a professor at the University of West Florida, told the newspaper that during the summer months, when water temperatures are warmer, infections connected to the bacterium are prevalent in oysters and raw seafood.
“Serious infections are uncommon, but the risk remains,” added Farr.