Louisiana sees increase in flesh-eating bacteria infections; 4 deaths reported in 2025

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Louisiana Department of Health reports four people have died after being hospitalized for a flesh-eating bacteria in 2025 amid a rise in infections.

Those four cases were among 17 reported cases of Vibrio vulnificus this year, which is a higher average than LDH has seen over the previous 10 years. With the increase in cases this year, LDH is asking people to take precautions.

Health officials said 75% of the cases reported this year were from wound/seawater exposure. The bacteria live naturally in warm coastal waters. A higher number of bacteria appear when water temperatures go up.

“Vibrio bacteria can cause illness when an open wound is exposed to coastal waters or when a person eats raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters,” LDH said. This bacterial infection can lead to blood poisoning, gastrointestinal illness or wound infection.

LDH said if you do get a skin infection, let your doctor know if you spent time eating raw seafood or went into salt or brackish water. Those who get infected could become seriously ill and require time in intensive care or limb amputation.

Symptoms of infection

LDH provided lists of signs and symptoms people should look for and precautions to take to avoid infection.

Common gastrointestinal signs and symptoms:

• Watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills

Signs and symptoms of wound infection:

• Fever
• Redness
• Pain
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Discoloration 
• Discharge

Signs and symptoms of bloodstream infection:

• Fever
• Chills
• Dangerously low blood pressure
• Blistering skin lesions

Precautions people can take:

• Stay out of brackish or salt water if you have a wound or cover it with a waterproof bandage.
• Wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and water.
• Notify your doctor if you develop a skin infection after contacting brackish or salt water, raw seafood or raw seafood juices.
• Use caution when eating raw or undercooked seafood.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw seafood.
• Avoid contaminating cooked seafood with raw seafood.

Click here to learn more about Vibrio vulnificus.

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