Warning as two dead after getting flesh-eating bacteria from eating raw oysters

Two people have tragically died after they were infected with a flesh-eating bacteria after eating rawoysters.

The Louisiana Health Department in Louisiana, the US, said the fatalities were caused by Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium which can be found in undercooked seafood. The deaths come after two other people passed away in the same state earlier this year. Their deaths were also linked to the bacteria.

One of the victims was named as pensioner Bail Kennedy, of New Orleans, who died just days after contracting the infection on July 21. The 77-year-old got infected after he cut his leg as he launched a boat into the water.

Vibrio vulnificus can be found in warm coastal waters and occurs more between May and October. The bacteria can develop into illness if an open wound is exposed in coastal waters or when eating undercooked seafood.

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The health department stressed that some patients are forced to get their limbs amputated, reports NBC. "Many people with Vibrio vulnificus infection can become seriously ill and need intensive care or limb amputation," he said. "About one in five people with this infection dies, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill.”

Dr Andrew Handel, pediatric infectious diseases specialist, warned people to avoid eating shellfish. The doctor, who is based at Stony Brook Children's Hospital in New York, told FOX News: "To prevent Vibrio food poisoning, avoid eating raw shellfish, especially if you are immunocompromised or have chronic liver disease."

"If you do eat shellfish, make sure it has not been sitting out for a long time and comes from a hygienic source." Signs that you have become ill from the bacteria range from vomiting to change of heart rate, as well as developing blisters. Below we have listed the full set of symptoms, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Signs of infection

• Skin redness or the development of a painful rash
• Nausea and vomiting

• Fever / chills

• Large blisters filled with fluid

• Diarrhea

• Feeling confused

• Dizziness or fainting ( both signs of low blood pressure )

• Fast heart rate