Final answer:
Vibrio vulnificus is contracted from consuming raw or undercooked shellfish. It causes gastrointestinal illness and can lead to serious infections if not properly cooked. Proper cooking and hygiene can prevent such foodborne illnesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that can be contracted from eating raw or undercooked shellfish. This pathogen is found in warm seawater and is associated with gastrointestinal illness when ingested through contaminated seafood. Unlike Vibrio cholerae, which is linked to poor sanitary conditions, Vibrio vulnificus does not require such conditions to thrive. It is important to ensure that shellfish are properly cooked to prevent the risks of serious infections such as cellulitis and bloodstream infections that can be life-threatening.
Preventative measures against foodborne illnesses caused by various bacteria, like Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Listeria, include proper food handling, cooking food to safe temperatures, and washing hands thoroughly.