Flesh-Eating Bacteria Kills 5 in Louisiana as Cases Surge Past Decade Average
All nine cases were tied to seawater-exposed wounds, and every patient had underlying health conditions, health officials said.
- A Marion County resident has died after contracting Vibrio vulnificus, marking the second death in Florida attributed to the rare bacterium this year, the Florida Department of Health reported on Thursday.
- Health officials have confirmed 14 total cases in Florida this year, as Vibrio bacteria thrive in warm coastal and brackish waters, entering the body through open wounds or raw shellfish consumption.
- The Florida Department of Health states about 1 in 5 infected individuals die, while healthy people typically develop mild symptoms; those with chronic liver disease or weakened immune systems face severe risks.
- Anyone with a wound exposed to coastal water should wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, and "tell the health care provider about the water exposure" if symptoms develop.
- Florida recorded 33 cases and 5 deaths during all of last year, providing context as officials monitor the 14 infections reported so far in 2026 amid rising concerns over warm-water bacterial proliferation.
149 Articles
149 Articles
Florida Confirms 2nd Death in 2026 From Flesh-Eating Bacteria Found Near Beaches
A second person in Florida has died from Vibrio vulnificus, a rare bacteria that is sometimes described as “flesh-eating,” so far this year, health officials reported. Fourteen other cases have also been reported in 2026, according to the Florida Department of Health in data that was posted to its website on Aug. 6. Last week, officials in Florida confirmed the first death in 2026 along with 12 cases at the time. Five people have also died so fa…
Louisiana confirmed nine cases and five deaths from Vibrio vulnificus, the meat-eating bacterium, in its U.S. coastal waters during 2026
Associated Press News
Health officials urge caution for Gulf Coast beachgoers during surge of deadly bacterial infections
Health officials in Louisiana are urging beachgoers to take precautions during a summertime surge in infections from a flesh-eating bacteria.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 68% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
