Oysters from The Fruit Stand & Seafood in Manchester, MO - Health alert due to Vibrio vulnificus

14433 Manchester Road, Manchester, 63011 Missouri, United States

The St. Louis County Department of Public Health has issued a health alert to dispose of oysters recently purchased from The Fruit Stand & Seafood, 14433 Manchester Road in Manchester following a man's death caused by the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus after eating raw oysters sold by the establishment. According to Department of Public Health (DPH) investigations, there is no evidence that the business did anything to contaminate the oysters, which likely were already contaminated when the establishment received them. All remaining oysters in the establishment were embargoed by DPH.

Investigators are attempting to determine the source of the oysters in question. The results of their investigation are being reported to the state Department of Health and Senior Services. The Fruit Stand & Seafood employees are cooperating with DPH in the investigation.

The 54-year-old man died after becoming infected by the bacteria Vibrio vulnificus, which can be carried by oysters and other shellfish. He had consumed raw oysters from the Fruit Stand & Seafood sometime in the past week, the DPH investigation found. He was treated at St. Claire Hospital and died Thursday.

According to the DPH, several types of vibrio bacteria can cause disease, although Vibrio vulnificus is the type that is most likely to cause severe disease. (Note: Vibriosis is a very different illness from cholera, which is caused by another vibrio species, vibrio cholerae.) Vibrio vulnificus can be found in warm, coastal waters, usually during the summer months. People typically become sick with Vibrio vulnificus by consuming raw or undercooked oysters and other shellfish. Vibrio vulnificus can also cause wound infection if someone with skin lesions swims in or is exposed to water contaminated with the bacteria. Infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus are not spread from person to person.

According to CDC, you can reduce your risk of vibriosis by following these tips:
- Don’t eat raw or undercooked oysters or other shellfish. Cook them before eating.
- Always wash your hands with soap and water after handing raw shellfish.
- Avoid contaminating cooked shellfish with raw shellfish and its juices.
- Stay out of salt water or brackish water if you have a wound (including from a recent surgery, piercing, or tattoo), or cover your wound with a waterproof bandage if there’s a possibility it could come into contact with salt water or brackish water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices. Brackish water is a mixture of fresh and salt water. It is often found where rivers meet the sea.
- Wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and water if they have been exposed to seawater or raw seafood or its juices.
- If you develop a skin infection, tell your medical provider if your skin has come into contact with salt water or brackish water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices.

In case you are experiencing vibriosis symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/dph-news-and-press-releases/st-louis-county-residents-warned-about-oysters-sold-at-local-business/