US YouTuber Billy LeBlanc’s partner Natalie Clark has died after the pair became sick from eating raw oysters.
LeBlanc was hospitalised for over a fortnight after eating the common food, and told his Instagram followers he “almost died”.
“Unfortunately Natalie didn’t make it and she passed away,” he said.
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“I will always remember how we got lost everywhere together.
“I will always love her and miss her.
“Be safe and hold your loved ones tight you, never know when it’ll be the last time you see them.”
The pair contracted a Vibrio vulnificus infection from the oysters, LeBlanc said.
The bacteria “occurs naturally in marine and estuarine waters throughout the world,” according to Queensland Health.
It is common in tropical and subtropical estuarine and sea waters.
“The bacterium can be present in the water itself and in shellfish that grow in these waters,” Queensland Health said.
“Infections are uncommon and are usually mild.
“However, on rare occasions, Vibrio vulnificus may cause life-threatening infections.”
Symptoms of gastrointestinal disease can include vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
In a follow-up video, LeBlanc confirmed the pair ate oysters and felt sick for a “couple days” before heading to hospital.
“I woke up and she was gone,” he said.
“I spent 12 days in the hospital and eight days in ICU.
“I don’t remember much of it, I was pretty much out of it most of the time.
“I don’t know what to say, I am trying to figure my life out now and what’s next for me so.
“Thank you for all your love and support, to everyone who gave that.”
LeBlanc’s mother Yvette Berthelot LeBlanc said on Facebook the past two weeks had “been a very hard time”.
“Natalie lost her life and Billy was very close to death,” she said.
“Please continue to pray for Natalie’s son Julian for her family and for Billy.
“Both for his health and his heart.”
