Did you know Oysters could kill you?

Two Gulf oysters are being prepared in a kitchen. One oyster says to the other “Boy, it sure is hot in this kitchen.” The other oyster looks at him and goes “AAAH! A TALKING OYSTER!”

But seriously folks. Oysters are no laughing matter. You could die. Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that resides in seawater, and could be transmitted to you through your dinner. If your dinner happens to be oysters, that is to say. “Normal people” are really in no serious risk of infection, but people who are at-risk include:

• Liver Disease (from hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholism, or cancer)

• Iron overload disease (hemochromatosis)

• Diabetes

• Cancer (including lymphoma, leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease)

• Stomach Disorders

• Or any illness or medical condition that weakens the body’s immune system

You can help avoid any unnecessary risk by eating post-harvest processed oysters, or just eating them fully cooked. Check out this website about being “Oyster Aware” for further information.