Louisiana health officials are warning residents and beachgoers to take precautions after the state reported five deaths from a deadly “flesh-eating” bacteria this year, causing a dramatic increase from the state’s typical death toll.
To date, there have been nine cases of Vibrio vulnificus in 2026 reported by the Louisiana Department of Health, all nine requiring admission to hospitals. All nine cases have been associated with individuals with open wounds who went into seawater, and all individuals have had pre-existing health problems, the officials stated.
Louisiana usually sees about seven cases and one death each year.
The bacteria belong to the wider Vibrio family and are found in warm coastal waters. Vibrio vulnificus can cause critical, potentially life-threatening infections when contaminated seawater enters an open wound. Infections can also be caused by someone who eats raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters.
According to health authorities, Vibrio bacteria are more common between May and October due to the warm weather. Vibrio bacteria can result in vibriosis, which is a condition characterised by vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain as well as severe skin infections. In its most extreme forms, it can lead to necrotising fasciitis or flesh-eating disease, which can be fatal for one out of every five people in less than two days.
Individuals suffering from liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, or who have weak immune systems are most at risk. Saltwater or brackish water exposure should be avoided if there are open wounds. In cases where saltwater or brackish water exposure is unavoidable, the wound should be protected by waterproof bandages. Wounds that become red, swollen, hot, and painful after water exposure require immediate attention.
2026-08-08 18:52:00
