Elderly Man in China Dies After Crab Injury Leads to Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infection
An elderly man in Wenzhou, China, has tragically died after suffering a seemingly minor injury while preparing seafood at home. According to Chinese media outlet The Paper, the man was handling green crabs when he accidentally pricked his left hand on a crab claw. Initially thinking little of the wound, he covered it with a simple bandage and continued his day as usual.
However, within 23 hours, alarming symptoms set in. His arm turned red and swollen, pus began oozing from the wound, and he developed a fever. Concerned family members rushed him to hospital, where doctors identified the cause: Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacterium commonly known for causing flesh-eating disease, or necrotising fasciitis.
This fast-spreading infection destroys soft tissues, and without rapid medical intervention, it can lead to multiple organ failure or death.
Rapid Deterioration Despite Emergency Treatment
Doctors immediately began aggressive treatment, including emergency surgery and multiple wound cleanings. Within an hour of admission, the man’s skin had already blackened as the infection spread. To prevent further deterioration, doctors made the difficult decision to amputate his left arm.
Unfortunately, even these drastic measures were not enough. He went into septic shock within 24 hours of hospitalisation. Despite doctors’ best efforts, he succumbed to the infection nine days after the initial crab-related injury.
Experts warn that Vibrio vulnificus infections have a mortality rate of over 50% if not treated urgently. Survival chances decline rapidly after 72 hours of infection, making early recognition and treatment critical.
Seafood Safety Measures to Prevent Fatal Infections
Vibrio vulnificus thrives in seawater, mud, and seafood, particularly oysters and crabs. The bacteria can enter the body through even tiny cuts or abrasions, making proper seafood handling and wound care essential.
Doctors recommend wearing gloves when preparing seafood, disinfecting any wounds immediately with iodine or alcohol, and seeking prompt medical attention if redness, swelling, fever, or pus develop — these are the first signs of dangerous infection.
Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with diabetes, kidney disease, or liver problems, face a much higher risk of severe complications or death from Vibrio infections. By taking simple but crucial precautions, people can greatly reduce the risk of contracting these deadly bacteria when handling seafood at home.