Rare Flesh-Eating Bacteria Traced To Tilapia From Bellevue Store

BELLEVUE, WA - King County health officials are warning local residents about a rare bacteria that has infected a local woman. Investigators believe the bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, came from tilapia fish the woman purchased at the Asian Food Center located in Bellevue along NE 20th Street.

Health officials are warning anyone who has been in contact with fish from that market to watch for symptoms of infection, which include chills, fever, and skin infection.

“Persons who prepared or consumed fish of any kind from this location should contact their healthcare provider if they develop signs of skin infection, fever, chills, or diarrhea in the seven days after contact with the fish,” said health officer Dr. Jeff Duchin in a statement. “At this time, there is no known risk for people who have not been in contact with fish from this location, but people should always take precautions when handling raw seafood.”

Officials say that the woman developed an infection after she cut her finger while preparing the fish.

Although the focus is on tilapia, officials say that other seafood from the market may be contaminated. All seafood from the market has been disposed of, and the entire facility is decommissioned until a thorough cleaning is complete.

According to Medscape, the bacteria can in some cases cause necrotizing fasciitis - essentially, when flesh dies. However, the prognosis is good for people who seek treatment immediately. When ingested, the bacteria can cause symptoms that may feel like food poisoning.

In Florida in 2015, 10 people contracted the bacteria and two died. The bacteria lives in salt water and is more common in warmer climates. The Centers for Disease Control tracked about 900 infections between 1998 and 2006.

For more information about symptoms and risk factors, view the full King County Public Health bulletin.

Photo via Yury Ostromentsky, Flickr.com