Health authorities in Louisiana and Florida are warning of a sharp rise in cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but potentially fatal Flesh-Eating Bacteria, as warm summer waters fuel higher infection rates along the Gulf Coast.
Louisiana and Florida See Unusual Spike in Cases
The Louisiana Department of Health has recorded 17 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections ( Flesh-Eating Bacteria) so far this year, resulting in four deaths. Over the past decade, the state typically reported an average of seven cases and one death by this point in the summer. All 17 patients this year required hospitalization, underlining the severity of the infection.
Florida has also reported 13 cases and four deaths in 2025. Health departments in both states have increased public warnings as water temperatures rise and coastal activity peaks during the summer months, conditions that favor Vibrio bacteria growth.
“These numbers are significantly higher than what we would usually expect,” the Louisiana Department of Health said in a statement. “We are urging residents and visitors to be cautious when entering warm coastal waters or eating raw seafood.”
Understanding Vibrio vulnificus and How It Spreads
Vibrio vulnificus (Flesh-Eating Bacteria) is naturally found in warm, salty or brackish waters, particularly during late spring and summer. It can infect humans in two primary ways: by entering the body through an open wound exposed to seawater or by consuming raw or undercooked seafood, most commonly oysters.
“This is a very scary-sounding bacteria, and while it’s rare, it can be extremely deadly,” said Dr. Alok Patel, pediatrician at Stanford Children’s Health and ABC News medical contributor. “If you have cuts or scrapes, stay out of coastal waters, and if you eat raw seafood, know the risks.”
Once infection occurs, symptoms can escalate quickly. Wound infections may cause swelling, pain, blistering, and tissue death, sometimes requiring surgical removal of affected tissue. Bloodstream infections can lead to septic shock and organ failure, with a fatality rate of around 20 percent for severe cases.
Climate and Health Factors Increasing Risks
Warmer ocean temperatures are one of the main factors contributing to the rise in Vibrio infections. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico have been trending higher than average this year, creating favorable conditions for Vibrio growth and survival.
People with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable to serious infections. Those with liver disease, diabetes, cancer, or compromised immune systems face significantly higher risks and are advised to take extra precautions.
“Vibrio vulnificus( Flesh-Eating Bacteria) can turn a minor cut into a life-threatening situation for certain individuals,” Patel said. “Awareness and quick medical intervention can make the difference between recovery and tragedy.”
Preventive Steps and Public Safety Advice
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates around 80,000 cases of vibriosis occur annually in the United States, though only a small fraction are linked to Vibrio vulnificus. Because the bacteria occurs naturally in coastal waters, avoiding exposure is key.
Health officials recommend:
- Staying out of salt or brackish waters if you have cuts, scrapes, or fresh tattoos.
- Thoroughly washing any wounds that come into contact with ocean water.
- Cooking all seafood, especially oysters, to safe internal temperatures.
- Seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms such as swelling, fever, vomiting, or skin lesions develop after water exposure or seafood consumption.
“Quick recognition and treatment are critical,” Patel stressed. “This infection can progress within hours, so don’t wait to get care.”
As summer continues and more people head to the beaches, health authorities urge residents and tourists to remain vigilant. With proper precautions, experts emphasize that most Vibrio infections are preventable.
Also Read :- Surge in ‘Flesh-Eating’ Infections Linked to Eastern US Heat Waves, CDC Warns
