|
Several deaths have occurred this summer in Florida due to infection with
vibrio vulnificus. This bacteria is usually acquired by eating raw oysters or other shellfish. Oysters, by
being filter feeders, accumulate the bacteria in its flesh, so it is easier to get the disease from the
consumption of raw oysters. But ingestion of oysters is not the only way to get this
often fatal disease; the bacteria could easily penetrate broken skin.
One man died recently from wading into brackish water. He had a cut on his skin through which the bacteria easily entered his body. If it happens to enter through the skin, an inflammation in the area of penetration will emerge. If the infection is not rapidly halted, the patient will become septic and die.
Vibrio vulnificus is related to other vibrio species. Cases of
vibrio cholera have been in the news lately, in places such as Haiti and Cuba. Infectious disease specialists warn the population about the
dangers of swimming in contaminated
waters, specially when waters become very warm, but cases of
vibrio vulnificus have shown up in the waters of the Baltic Sea.
The waters around Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico have had a gradual increase in temperature over the last 20 years. Not only
does this promote bacterial growth, but the quality of the water has declined with the increase
in population and its effect on water contamination.
People should be aware that if the water is NOT crystal clear, and if it has a smell, it is because microorganisms -- many of them pathogens -- are growing in that water... and if anyone bathes in it, it may be fatal.
|
|
Most
shell fish, such as oysters and lobsters,
acquire their nutrients from the contaminated bottom of the sea. They feed
as scavengers. This garbage they eat is full of diseases which makes them
unclean for us to eat.
Leviticus 11:9-12
These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat. And all that have not fins and scales in the seas,
and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you: They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have
their carcases in abomination. Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you. |
 |
Oysters, by being filter feeders, are a danger to
you. They are full of germs. In
fact, many of us know people who got sick from eating raw oysters. Cooking
them might kill bacteria, but will not get rid of dangerous chemicals that
accumulate in their flesh.
The best strategy is to avoid filter feeders and scavengers.
Eating them is not healthy. God, in His
wisdom, warns us; He wants us to be holy and pure.
|
