Louisiana health officials issued a warning this week after five deaths and nine infections from the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus were reported in the state this year. All cases involved wounds exposed to seawater, and all patients had underlying health conditions, according to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH).
The LDH reported that this year’s figures significantly exceed the state’s 10-year average for the same period, which was seven cases and one death annually. The department urged residents to seek immediate medical care if wounds exposed to brackish or saltwater become red, swollen, painful, warm, or discolored.
Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacterium found in coastal waters, with concentrations rising during warmer months. Infection can occur through two primary routes: consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, or when an open wound comes into contact with seawater, brackish water, or raw seafood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that about 1 in 5 infected individuals die, sometimes within one or two days of illness onset.
Immediate Risks and Official Response
The LDH emphasized that while anyone can contract Vibrio vulnificus, certain groups face higher risks, including people with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, or thalassemia; those undergoing immune-suppressing treatment; individuals taking medication that reduces stomach acid; and those who recently had stomach surgery. Symptoms may include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
The department’s warning follows a similar spike in cases last year, when Louisiana reported at least 17 cases and 10 deaths across Florida, Louisiana, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina were attributed to the bacterium.
Broader Context and Multi-State Alerts
Beyond Louisiana, Florida has reported 12 cases and one death from Vibrio vulnificus this year, according to local outlet Fox 13 Tampa Bay. The Florida fatality marked the state’s first death linked to the bacterium in 2026. Health officials in both states noted that infections are more common between May and October, when water temperatures rise and bacterial concentrations increase.
The bacterium can cause necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection where tissue surrounding an open wound dies. While the term “flesh-eating” is often used colloquially, the CDC clarifies that this condition is rare and typically occurs in individuals with pre-existing health conditions or weakened immune systems.
Prevention and Public Health Guidance
Health authorities recommend several precautions to reduce risk:
- Avoid exposing open wounds to saltwater, brackish water, or raw seafood.
- Wear protective footwear when walking on beaches or in shallow water.
- Cook shellfish thoroughly, particularly oysters, to kill bacteria.
- Individuals with underlying health conditions should take extra care to avoid contact with coastal waters.
The LDH and CDC continue to monitor cases and provide updated guidance as the summer season progresses.