The death of Studer Community Institute Director of Business Engagement Rodney Jackson shocked the community when it was determined that he had died from a disease caused by eating raw oysters.
The experts say that if precautions aren't taken, the bacterium, Vibrio, is easy to contract.
Dr. Robert "Wes" Farr, a professor at the University of West Florida, said that in the warmer months, the most common type of vibrio infections is the one that affects the skin.
The risk of serious infections is still there.
He came back to help others after making it to the top. The people of Pensacola mourn the death of a man.
The Marina Oyster Barn is no longer open but a new restaurant is being built.
Jackson bought the oysters from Maria's Fresh Seafood Market to try out the local cuisine. The family doesn't blame the market.
Jackson felt like he would do it here instead of in Dallas, according to his colleague.
His wife, who was waiting for him in Dallas, was alarmed when his symptoms began to get worse.
After seeing the wait times, he decided against going to West Florida Hospital.
The cause of Jackson's death was caused by the vibriobacteria found in his blood after he was taken to the intensive care unit.
Maria's is required by the state to undergo strict procedures in ensuring oysters are kept at a safe temperature, as well as be required to hang signs indicating patrons consume oysters at their own risk.
Ray Boyer has worked at Maria's seafood for 21 years. You have to make sure you take the proper steps if you want oysters.
When oysters are pulled up from the water, they must be immediately put on ice, transferred to a refrigerated truck and temperature checked at the market. Oysters are good to eat for 10 days, however, the consumer is responsible for the temperature they are stored at.
It's out of our hands after that.
A mecca for oyster farmers could be in Pensacola. There is a group working on it.
Community leaders are helping those with disabilities.
He said he only buys wild-caught Louisiana oysters and a local farmed oyster from his vendor. He said that both are Harvested in the Gulf.
Buying oysters from reliable sources is important to make sure the harvesters are following regulations, such as being able to provide a record of harvest locations, dates and temperatures.
We have been doing business with all of the oyster handlers for a while.
Jackson's family doesn't know which variety of oyster he bought. There is no information on how the oysters were prepared.
When eating oysters, they should stay below 40 degrees. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even a small squeeze of lemon isn't enough to kill buddingbacteria.
According to Farr, a seemingly healthy oyster can show no signs of being contaminated.
The chances of falling ill from eating an oyster are very low, but the chances increase with underlying conditions such as diabetes or cancer. Farr doesn't consume them himself because they can be risky to those on stomach acid reducing drugs.
He said that antibiotics can be used to cure the illness.
The Florida Department of Public Health says there are many people who are affected each year.
According to a statement released by the Florida Department of Public Health, there is a chance of vomiting and abdominal pain if you come in contact with vibrio vulnificus.
There have been seven cases in Escambia County over the course of the last four years, one of which resulted in death. Over the last three years, four cases have been reported in SantaRosa county, one of which resulted in death.
More than 500 cases of vibrio vulnificus have been reported in Florida since 2008, of which 131 have resulted in death.
The heat of the water in shallow areas is what causes the most cases of the infection during the summer.
According to urban legend, only to consume oysters in the months of September through April was the only way to consume them. The warm months of May, June, July and August were shown to be too prone tobacteria.
More formal regulations have been put in place by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
All of the bases are covered by the time a customer makes their purchase, because of the strict regulations.
Some customers think that a cooler of ice will keep oysters cold for a few days.
As the ice begins to melt, the oyster may feel cool to the touch, but there is a good chance that the temperature will rise above 40 degrees, making them unsafe for consumption.
The safest way to eat an oyster is to cook it.
The Florida Department of Health has more information.
The article was originally published in the news journal.
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