Louisiana reports surge in flesh-eating bacteria cases, 5 deaths confirmed

LOUISIANA, (KLFY) — The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the fifth death from Vibrio vulnificus this year, as the state continues to see an unusually high number of cases.

Vibrio bacteria, which naturally inhabit coastal waters, are more prevalent from May to October when water temperatures rise. These bacteria can cause illness if an open wound is exposed to infected waters or if raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters, is consumed.

In 2025, Louisiana has reported 26 cases of Vibrio vulnificus, all of which required hospitalization, and five of these cases resulted in death. This marks a significant increase compared to the average of 10 cases and one death reported annually over the past decade.

Of the 26 cases reported this year, 85% involved exposure to seawater through an open wound, and 92% of the patients had at least one underlying health condition. Nationally, 150 to 200 cases of Vibrio vulnificus are reported each year, with approximately 50% occurring in Gulf States such as Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Louisiana and Florida have reported the highest number of cases and deaths.

Anyone can get a Vibrio infection. However, some medical conditions and treatments can increase your risk for infection and severe complications, including:

• Having liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, or thalassemia,
• Receiving immune-suppressing therapy for the treatment of a disease,
• Taking medicine that decreases stomach acid levels, and
• Having had recent stomach surgery.

Signs and symptoms

• Gastrointestinal infection:
• Watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills

• Vibrio wound infection:
• Fever
• Redness
• Pain
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Discoloration
• Discharge

• Vibrio bloodstream infection:
• Fever
• Chills
• Dangerously low blood pressure
• Blistering skin lesions

Precautions that can help keep you safe

• Stay out of brackish or salt water if you have a wound (including cuts and scrapes), or cover your wound with a waterproof bandage if there’s a possibility it could come into contact with brackish or salt water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices.
• Wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and water if they have been exposed to brackish or salt water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices.
• If you develop a skin infection, tell your medical provider if your skin has come into contact with brackish or salt water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices.
• Use caution when consuming raw or undercooked seafood, especially if you have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or have certain medical conditions like liver or stomach disorders.
• Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw shellfish.
• Avoid contaminating cooked seafood with raw seafood and their juices.

If you are in a group at higher risk for severe infection:

• Wear clothes and shoes that can protect you from cuts and scrapes when in brackish or salt water.
• Wear protective gloves when handling raw seafood.

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