Louisiana urges caution after 5 confirmed flesh-eating bacteria deaths

Key Points:

• Louisiana has reported at least 5 deaths and 9 hospitalizations from the flesh-eating bacterium Vibrio vulnificus in 2026, a significant increase compared to the average of one death by this time in previous years.
• All infected individuals were exposed to seawater and had underlying health conditions, with the bacteria typically found in warm coastal waters from May to October.
• Vibrio vulnificus infections can enter through open wounds when swimming in saltwater or brackish water, or through consuming contaminated raw shellfish, posing serious risks especially to immunocompromised individuals.
• Health officials advise covering open wounds with waterproof bandages, avoiding coastal waters if wounds are present, practicing safe seafood handling, and seeking medical attention if symptoms like fever, swelling, or low blood pressure occur after exposure.
• The Louisiana Health Department has introduced a public health disease tracker to monitor Vibrio vulnificus cases and is urging increased caution among residents to prevent further infections.