Florida man dies after eating raw oyster

SARASOTA, Fla. – A 71-year-old man died after eating an oyster at a Florida restaurant, WWSB reports. 

The report said the Sarasota man died from a gastro-intestinal illness. It states the man ate the oyster on July 8th and died two days later.

The name of the restaurant where the man ate the oyster was not released.

"Vibrio vulnificus is often mislabeled as flesh-eating bacteria but it is very important to note that it is not flesh-eating bacteria. Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria in warm, salty or brackish water," Florida Department of Health said. Infections are rare.

The Florida Department of Health told News4Jax that Florida’s beaches and waters are safe to enjoy responsibly if you take proper precautions. People with open wounds or weakened immune systems have an increased risk of infection. Vibrio Vulnificus does not pose a risk to a normally healthy person who does not have open wounds or cuts. 

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