What you need to know about the rise of Vibrio vulnificus infections in Louisiana
Health officials say all nine Louisiana cases this year involved wounds exposed to seawater, and five patients died.
- On Thursday, the Louisiana Department of Health reported nine Vibrio vulnificus cases this year, with five deaths and four hospitalizations. All patients had underlying health conditions and contracted the bacteria through open wounds exposed to seawater.
- Naturally occurring in warm coastal waters, Vibrio bacteria thrive between May and October when water temperatures rise. Officials confirmed every case this year involved skin breaks exposed to saltwater rather than raw seafood consumption.
- Severe infections can cause necrotizing fasciitis, sometimes requiring intensive care or limb amputation, according to health officials. LDH recommends covering open wounds with waterproof bandages and washing thoroughly with soap after potential exposure.
- Louisiana's current toll already exceeds the 10-year annual average of seven cases and one death. LDH cautioned the outbreak could worsen during coming months as hurricane season brings increased storm surge and floodwater exposure.
- Rising ocean temperatures are contributing to the bacteria's northward spread, with cases recently detected near New York's Long Island. A 2023 study found the northernmost case shifts by about 30 miles annually, indicating climate-linked expansion.
106 Articles
106 Articles
Five people have died in Louisiana after getting infected with the bacterium Vibrio vulnificus. These are their symptoms, how they spread and why they worry about their expansion.
Amid Flesh-Eating Bacteria Deaths, Health Officials Urge Caution for Beachgoers
(MedPage Today) -- Health officials in Louisiana are urging beachgoers to take precautions during a summertime surge in infections from a flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters. Louisiana has confirmed nine cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections...
Louisiana confirmed nine cases and five deaths from Vibrio vulnificus, the meat-eating bacterium, in its U.S. coastal waters during 2026
Louisiana health officials report surge of infections from flesh-eating bacteria
Health officials in Louisiana are urging beachgoers to take precautions during a summertime surge in infections from a flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters. Related video above from 2025: Doctor answers questions about rare bacteria causing flesh-eating disease So far in 2026, there have been nine cases of the deadly Vibrio vulnificus bacteria, all of which involved people who had wounds exposed to seawater. The patients also had underl…
Associated Press News
Health officials urge caution for Gulf Coast beachgoers during surge of deadly bacterial infections
Health officials in Louisiana are urging beachgoers to take precautions during a summertime surge in infections from a flesh-eating bacteria.
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