State and local health officials are investigating a rare wound infection caused by the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus — often referred to as flesh-eating bacteria — that occurred in a King County, Wash., resident.
Health officials believe the man, who is currently hospitalized, caught the infection after preparing and consuming contaminated fish from a live fish tank at a Seattle grocery store. The bacteria likely entered his body after he cut his hand while preparing the fish. The man consumed the cooked fish with his wife, who also became ill, but was not hospitalized, according to the report.
Public Health — Seattle & King County is testing fish samples and the fish tanks at the grocery store. The store threw away all fish processed at the facility following the infection and decommissioned all fish tanks and corresponding equipment until it can be properly cleaned and disinfected. The local health department is working with the Washington State Department of Health to identify the distributors of any contaminated products.
A similar case of Vibrio vulnificus occurred in 2016 in a King County woman who purchased tilapia from a live fish tank at a different grocery store. She recovered from the infection.
Vibrio vulnificus is one of about 12 Vibrio species that cause the vibriosis illness in humans. The bacteria are commonly found in warm coastal waters, and most people become infected by consuming raw or undercooked shellfish. Vibriosis symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. Those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of infection. The bacteria can also cause a necrotizing skin infection when introduced to open wounds, which can sometimes result in limb amputation.
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