LDH: Flesh-eating bacteria has hospitalized 9, killed 5 so far this year
All nine cases were tied to seawater-exposed wounds, and every patient had underlying health conditions, health officials said.
- The Louisiana Department of Health reports nine cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections in 2026, with five deaths, a significant increase compared to the state's average of seven cases and one death annually.
- All infections involved individuals with open wounds exposed to warm coastal seawater and underlying health conditions, according to Louisiana health officials.
- Vibrio vulnificus bacteria thrive in warm, brackish coastal waters and can cause severe infections, including necrotizing fasciitis, with about 20% of cases resulting in death within days, as noted by the CDC.
- Health officials advise avoiding seawater with open wounds and eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, to prevent infection, and recommend immediate medical care if symptoms like redness or swelling appear.
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The bacterium Vibrio vulnificus belongs to the family of vibrions. It lives in warm, slightly salty water. The bacterium releases enzymes that can destroy the skin and connective tissue within a few hours.
Flesh‑eating bacteria are devouring limbs in warming waters worldwide − here’s how to protect yourself
Flesh-eating bacteria sounds like the premise of a bad horror movie, but it’s a growing – and potentially fatal – threat to people in the U.S. and beyond. Vibrio vulnificus, a type of flesh-eating bacteria that thrives in warm seawater, is once again threatening the safety of beachgoers and raw shellfish enthusiasts. To date, Louisiana […] The post Flesh‑eating bacteria are devouring limbs in warming waters worldwide − here’s how to protect your…
The Conversation
Flesh-eating bacteria are devouring limbs in warming waters worldwide − here’s how to protect yourself
_Vibrio vulnificus_ infections are spreading across the U.S. because of climate change CDC/Colorized by James GathanyFlesh-eating bacteria sounds like the premise of a bad horror movie, but it’s a growing – and potentially fatal – threat to people in the U.S. and beyond. Vibrio vulnificus, a type of flesh-eating bacteria that thrives in warm seawater, is once again threatening the safety of beachgoers and raw shellfish enthusiasts. To date, Loui…
Vibrio vulnificus advisory: Calcasieu coroner urges caution following rise in fatalities - American Press
A spike in Vibrio vulnificus infections in Louisiana has resulted in nine confirmed cases and five deaths since August 5, according to health officials. All nine cases involved individuals with underlying medical conditions who exposed open wounds to seawater. The naturally occurring bacterium thrives in warm coastal and brackish waters from May through October. While it commonly infects open wounds exposed to seawater, it can also cause severe …
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