‘One in a Billion’ Bad Oyster Kills Man in Florida

An investigation determined the man’s death was caused by Vibrio, which he contracted at the Rustic Inn Crabhouse in Fort Lauderdale.

The restaurant manager told the outlet that 100 dozen oysters were served that day.

“He had that one in a billion that was bad,” Gary Oreal reportedly said. “I feel horrible.”

“Oysters are top of the mountain for dangerous foods to eat. I have eaten them my entire life and will continue. But you are putting yourself at risk when you do it,” Oreal added.

After the man got sick, the Florida Department of Health inspected the restaurant’s kitchen and passed “with flying colors.”

In the past month, two people have died from raw oysters in the state. The Pensacola News Journal reported that an elderly community leader died from Vibrio on August 9.

The publication said Rodney Jackson, the director of business engagement at Studer Community Institute, fell ill after consuming oysters from Maria’s Fresh Seafood Market.

In both instances, the oysters came from Louisiana.

While most instances of vibriosis are reported during hotter months, the Centers for Control of Disease and Prevention warn that cases can occur at any time of year.

According to the CDC, “An oyster that contains harmful bacteria doesn’t look, smell, or even taste different from any other oyster.”