Health Officials Issue Warning on Raw Oysters

County health officials warned late last week that people suffering from liver problems or who drink alcohol regularly should avoid eating raw oysters because of a risk of infection by potentially deadly bacteria.

The bacterium Vibrio vulnificus was implicated in the recent death of a 45-year-old man with liver disease.

The unidentified man became ill May 11, one week after eating raw oysters, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.

Individuals with cirrhosis, hepatitis, cancer, diabetes, AIDS or who take immune-suppressing drugs are especially susceptible to the bacterium, which occurs naturally in ocean waters, health officials said.