Louisiana health officials have reported a fifth death this year from Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but dangerous flesh-eating bacteria. This alarming increase in cases highlights a growing public health concern linked to rising ocean temperatures. Vibrio vulnificus thrives in warm coastal waters and is particularly prevalent between May and October. The bacteria can cause severe illness, including necrotizing fasciitis, a life-threatening condition characterized by rapid tissue destruction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a mortality rate of approximately 20% among Vibrio vulnificus infections.
While the exact source of infection for the latest victim remains undetermined, health officials emphasize that exposure to contaminated water, particularly through open wounds, or consumption of raw or undercooked seafood, such as oysters, are primary transmission routes. Two of the Louisiana fatalities this year were directly linked to contaminated oysters, prompting concerns about seafood safety. The state health department reported a total of 26 Vibrio vulnificus cases in 2025, significantly exceeding the yearly average of seven cases and one death recorded over the past decade.
This surge in cases isn't confined to Louisiana. Neighboring states like Alabama and Mississippi have also experienced increases, with Alabama reporting 10 cases and Mississippi reporting three, including one fatality. Florida, meanwhile, has recorded 13 cases and a concerning eight deaths. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez of LSU Health points to the warming oceans as a potential factor, observing that the bacteria's geographic range is expanding beyond its typical Gulf Coast habitat. "It's no longer just a Gulf Coast phenomenon," he notes. "Global warming is pushing Vibrio vulnificus infections further up the East Coast," potentially reaching as far north as Massachusetts, where cases have also been reported, leading to some oyster bed closures.
The ongoing increase in Vibrio vulnificus infections underscores the need for public awareness and preventative measures. Individuals should exercise caution when engaging in water activities with open wounds and carefully consider the risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked seafood, particularly during warmer months. The alarming rise in cases and fatalities demands further investigation and proactive strategies to mitigate the threat of this dangerous bacteria.
---
Originally published at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/flesh-eating-bacteria-kills-fifth-person-this-year-in-louisiana/
