Which of the following is not advised as a prevention measure for Vibrio vulnificus infection?

• A. Handling fresh wounds carefully near coastal water
• B. Eating raw shellfish
• C. Cooking shellfish thoroughly
• D. Avoiding raw shellfish

Answer: (B)

Vibrio vulnificus infections can be prevented by reducing exposure to the bacteria in two main ways: protect wounds from contact with warm coastal water and avoid or properly cook seafood that can carry the bacteria. The liquid in coastal waters and shellfish can harbor Vibrio, and cooking shellfish thoroughly kills the bacteria, while avoiding raw shellfish also cuts the risk. Handling fresh wounds carefully near coastal water is a preventive step because it minimizes the chance the bacteria can enter through a cut. Cooking shellfish thoroughly is another effective prevention method. Avoiding raw shellfish reduces the risk of ingesting the bacteria. Eating raw shellfish, however, is not a prevention measure; it increases the chance of infection.