Louisiana is facing a public health crisis with a sharp increase in infections and deaths caused by Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacterium thriving in warm coastal waters. State health officials reported five deaths in 2025 alone, a stark contrast to the yearly average of one fatality over the past decade. At least 26 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infection have been confirmed, all requiring hospitalization. The alarming rise in cases has prompted urgent warnings and a renewed focus on public health education.
The majority of infections (85%) resulted from exposure of open wounds to seawater, highlighting the critical importance of wound care and precautions when engaging in water activities. A concerning 92% of those infected had pre-existing health conditions, emphasizing the bacterium's increased risk to vulnerable populations. This surge in cases mirrors warnings from scientific researchers who have linked the rise in Vibrio infections to increasing sea surface temperatures, a direct consequence of the climate crisis.
Vibrio bacteria thrive in warm waters and are particularly prevalent between May and October. Infection can occur through exposure of open wounds to contaminated water or by consuming raw or undercooked seafood. The severity of Vibrio vulnificus infections is particularly concerning; about one in five infected individuals die, sometimes within just two days of symptom onset. Survivors often face the ordeal of limb amputation or prolonged intensive care.
The tragic case of Basil Kennedy, a 77-year-old man who died after a minor leg scrape while on a boat, serves as a grim reminder of the bacterium's potential lethality. His daughter, Kay Kennedy Regimbal, while urging against undue fear, stressed the importance of public awareness and education concerning risk mitigation strategies. Symptoms of Vibrio infection range from gastrointestinal issues to severe wound infections, and in cases of bloodstream infection, may include fever, blistering, and dangerously low blood pressure.
While the United States typically reports 150 to 200 cases of Vibrio vulnificus annually, with Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida accounting for roughly half, Louisiana and Florida are currently experiencing the highest number of cases and deaths. This dramatic increase underscores the need for increased public awareness, enhanced water safety measures, and further research into the link between climate change and the escalating Vibrio vulnificus threat.
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Originally published at: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/19/louisiana-flesh-eating-bacteria-deaths
