Infectious disease experts urge calm, advise avoiding raw seafood

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Society of Infectious Diseases has advised the public to avoid consuming raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters, and to prevent exposing wounds to potentially contaminated water. These measures help guard against Vibrio vulnificus, commonly known as the “flesh-eating” bacteria.

Dr. Yori Roque, president of the organization, urged calm and discouraged spreading unverified diagnoses, noting that other bacteria such as E. coli, Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Klebsiella can also cause serious illnesses. Vibrio vulnificus naturally occurs in warm marine and brackish waters, especially near the coast, and its prevalence can rise after storms or floods.

Authorities clarified that the recent death in the country is not linked to Vibrio vulnificus. The patient had died from acute dehydration related to gastroenteritis and an abdominal infection of unknown origin. The Ministry of Public Health is awaiting autopsy authorization and microbiological test results from food establishments visited by the patient. For now, there is no confirmed connection to the flesh-eating bacteria, and officials continue to urge calm.