5 people have died from Vibrio vulnificus in Louisiana this year

Key Points:

• Louisiana has reported five deaths and four hospitalizations in 2026 due to Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria, significantly higher than the 10-year average of one death and seven cases annually.
• All reported cases involved individuals with open wounds exposed to seawater and underlying health conditions, highlighting increased vulnerability among those with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, or immune suppression.
• Vibrio vulnificus naturally occurs in warm coastal waters, especially from May to October, and infections can result from contact with brackish or salt water or consumption of raw or undercooked seafood.
• The bacteria can cause severe, life-threatening infections requiring intensive care or amputation, with about 20% of infected individuals dying, sometimes rapidly after illness onset.
• The Louisiana Department of Health advises avoiding coastal water exposure with open wounds, using waterproof bandages, thoroughly washing wounds, cooking seafood properly, and taking protective measures for high-risk individuals to reduce infection risk.