What are the severe medical problems associated with ingesting bad octopus?

From the Guidelines

Ingesting bad octopus can lead to severe medical problems, including Vibrio vulnificus infections, which can cause life-threatening conditions such as septicemia and have a mortality rate of over 50% in cases of fulminant sepsis. The risk of Vibrio vulnificus infection is particularly high in individuals with iron overload conditions, such as haemochromatosis, as high iron levels can trigger rapid bacterial growth 1. Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection can include skin and soft-tissue infections, primary septicemia, and can progress rapidly to severe disease. Some key points to consider when assessing the risk of severe medical problems from ingesting bad octopus include:

• The presence of iron overload conditions, such as haemochromatosis, which can increase the risk of Vibrio vulnificus infection 1
• The handling and storage of the octopus, as improper handling and storage can increase the risk of contamination with Vibrio vulnificus
• The cooking and preparation of the octopus, as thorough cooking to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness
• The source of the octopus, as consuming octopus from unknown sources can increase the risk of contamination with Vibrio vulnificus or other pathogens. It is essential to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of food poisoning or Vibrio vulnificus infection occur, as prompt treatment can help reduce the risk of severe disease and death. Prevention is also crucial, and individuals should only consume octopus that has been properly handled, stored, and cooked to reduce the risk of severe medical problems.

From the Research

Severe Medical Problems from Bad Octopus Ingestion

• Ingestion of bad octopus can lead to severe medical problems, including food poisoning and neurological symptoms 2, 3, 4.
• Tetrodotoxin (TTX) poisoning is a potential risk associated with eating octopus, particularly those with blue rings in the skin, such as Hapalochlaena fasciata 2.
• Symptoms of TTX poisoning include moderate to severe gastrointestinal effects, neurological effects, and potentially life-threatening respiratory failure 3.
• Other potential health risks associated with octopus ingestion include neuromuscular manifestations, such as muscular weakness, arterial hypotension, and disseminated cutaneous rash 4.
• Additionally, octopus can be a source of foodborne illness due to the presence of bacteria like Vibrio vulnificus, which can cause severe disease in immunocompromised patients and mild gastroenteritis in healthy individuals 5, 6.
• The risk of foodborne illness from octopus consumption may vary depending on factors like the region, season, and storage conditions 6.