Authorities advised people to seek medical attention immediately if a wound exposed to salt water becomes red, painful, swollen or warm.
BATON ROUGE: Louisiana health officials warned residents about a rise in severe infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacteria found in warm coastal waters, after five people died and nine cases were reported this year.
The Louisiana Department of Health said the infections were linked to exposure of wounds to seawater and involved people with existing health conditions. Officials urged residents, especially those with chronic illnesses, to take extra precautions when near coastal waters.
Vibrio vulnificus is a type of bacteria sometimes called a “flesh eating bacteria” because it can cause serious infections that damage body tissue. Health officials said the infection can become life threatening quickly, with some patients dying within one or two days after symptoms appear.
The bacteria naturally exist in warm coastal waters and are usually found in higher numbers between May and October when water temperatures increase, people can become infected through open wounds exposed to seawater or by eating raw or undercooked seafood.
A potentially deadly “flesh-eating” bacteria has killed five people in Louisiana this year, a sharp rise from the state’s typical death toll. https://t.co/nP1mltzf3I
— FOX 13 Seattle (@fox13seattle) August 8, 2026
The Louisiana Department of Health said some forms of Vibrio bacteria, including Vibrio vulnificus, can lead to severe health complications. In serious cases, patients may require intensive medical treatment or surgery, including possible limb amputation.
Health officials said Vibrio infections can cause several illnesses, including wound infections, bloodstream infections and stomach related illnesses.
Authorities advised people to seek medical attention immediately if a wound exposed to salt water becomes red, painful, swollen or warm. They also recommended contacting healthcare providers after possible exposure, especially for people with weakened immune systems or other long term health conditions.
The latest cases have increased concerns among health authorities as warmer coastal temperatures create conditions where Vibrio bacteria can multiply more easily.
