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Flesh-Eating Bacteria Kills 5 in Louisiana as Cases Surge Past Decade Average
All nine Louisiana cases were tied to seawater-exposed wounds, and four other patients were hospitalized, the health department said.
- Louisiana Health Department officials reported Thursday that nine people contracted Vibrio vulnificus in 2026, with five deaths resulting from the flesh-eating bacteria found in warm coastal waters.
- The bacteria exists naturally in warm coastal waters and infects individuals with exposed open wounds and underlying health conditions; cases typically rise from May to October when water temperatures warm.
- According to the CDC, infection occurs through contaminated shellfish or exposed wounds in brackish water; prevention requires avoiding saltwater with open wounds and thoroughly cooking seafood.
- This year's five fatalities represent a significant increase from Louisiana's average of one death annually over the previous 10 years; about one in five infected people die from the infection.
- Rising water temperatures caused by climate change are contributing to infection risks in new regions, with Vibrio vulnificus detected this spring in coastal waters near New York's Long Island.
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Total News Sources41
Leaning Left5Leaning Right9Center23Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Center
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources are Center
62% Center
14%
C 62%
R 24%
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