Tilapia scare: Woman loses all four limbs after eating contaminated fish

SHAH ALAM - A woman in California had to have all her limbs amputated after eating undercooked tilapia contaminated with a bacterial infection.

Laura Barajas, 40, bought the fish from a local market in San Jose in July.

The next day, she realised something was wrong and went to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with Vibrio vulnificus.

"Barajas bought the fish at a market before bringing it home, where she ate it although it was undercooked.

"A day later, Barajas was diagnosed with Vibro vulnificus," Brut reported.

The doctors had to amputate all four of Barajas's limbs on Sep 13 in order to save her life.

She had spent over a month in the hospital fighting for her life.

According to Brut, Vibrio vulnificus can cause sepsis, fever, low blood pressure, and blisters. The symptoms can quickly get worse.

"People usually get Vibrio vulnificus by eating undercooked or raw shellfish, or by entering water with open wounds. Vibrio thrives in warm water, so people are more likely to get it in the summer," Brut reported.

According to Cleveland Clinic, 100 to 200 cases are detected per year.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory on Sept 1 that Vobrio vulnificus infections could increase due to rising water temperatures linked to climate change.

"The most common cause of Vibro infections is eating undercooked or raw oysters and shellfish which the CDC recommends not to eat.

It is extremely dangerous for people who are immunocompromised," the media reported.