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5 dead from rare flesh-eating bacteria in Louisiana
USA Today • • general
Key Points:
- Five people in Louisiana have died from Vibrio vulnificus, or "flesh-eating bacteria," infections in 2026, with nine total cases reported, all involving patients with underlying health conditions exposed to seawater.
- The bacterium thrives in warm coastal waters, particularly from May to October, and infections can rapidly cause severe tissue damage, sepsis, and death, especially in vulnerable individuals.
- Louisiana health officials warn that cases are higher than average this year, urging precautions such as avoiding salt or brackish water with open wounds and properly cooking seafood to reduce infection risk.
- Similar infections have been reported in other Gulf Coast states, including Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi, with cases also documented in some East Coast states.
- Symptoms of infection can develop within 24 hours and include fever, rapidly spreading skin lesions, blisters, nausea, low blood pressure, and confusion, necessitating immediate medical attention.
