Raw oysters linked to Missouri man's death from flesh-eating bacteria

A 54-year-old man from Missouri died after contracting Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria, from eating raw oysters he bought from a seafood shop. The bacteria is typically contracted by consuming raw or undercooked oysters and other shellfish. Officials have embargoed all oysters remaining at the shop and are encouraging everyone who bought oysters from the shop to throw them away. Vibrio vulnificus is responsible for more than 95% of seafood-related deaths in the U.S. and can severely damage a person's flesh. To reduce the risk of contracting the bacteria, the CDC recommends not eating raw or undercooked oysters and shellfish and washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling shellfish.