oysters calling

"Llewellyn was so polite. How polite was he? Well, he wouldn't open his Gulf oysters without knocking first."

What do you know about Vibrio vulnificus? Sounds scary but honestly the transmission of V.vulnificus to humans occurs through two methods: the direct consumption of raw, undercooked or non-depurated seafood (basically, mollusks) and or exposure of wounds to contaminated seawater. So if you are 'oyster aware' and stay out of the ocean you are most likely safe to enjoy the bounty of the sea. Healthy individuals can safely consume raw oysters without serious risk and at-risk consumers can eliminate their risk by eating oysters fully cooked or reduce their risk by eating oysters that have been post-harvest processed. Either of these techniques will adequately reduce the number of bacteria. In fact, the number of illnesses that result from Vibrio vulnificus is extremely low when compared to other food-borne illnesses. So be smart and open up to oysters, just knock first.