US EditionHow to protect yourself from Vibrio vulnificus, the bacteria found in some coastal waters
Vibrio vulnificus infections have doubled in Louisiana this season, causing multiple deaths and prompting health warnings to vulnerable individuals about exposure to coastal waters and raw seafood.
- Vibrio vulnificus infections have surged this year along the Gulf Coast, with Louisiana reporting 20 cases and four deaths so far in 2025.
- This increase follows a background of rising Vibrio infections linked to warmer Gulf waters and climate change, which help bacteria proliferate and spread northward.
- Health officials warn that the bacteria enter through small skin wounds or by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, and cause severe illness often requiring multiple surgeries or amputation.
- Florida has seen 17 Vibrio vulnificus infections and five fatalities so far this year, with the number of deaths being quadruple the usual seasonal count. Retired fisherman Bernie Stewart emphasized the seriousness of the situation, warning, "This ain’t nothing to play with."
- Officials urge people to avoid exposure when having open wounds, to wash cuts immediately, cook seafood thoroughly, and seek prompt medical care for symptoms to reduce risks from this highly lethal bacteria.
81 Articles
81 Articles
MedPage Today
Anti-Aging, Acupuncture and Health NewsWant to Avoid Flesh-Eating Infections Found in Coastal Waters? Here's How
(MedPage Today) -- States are warning beachgoers about a summertime surge in infections from a frightening, flesh-eating type of bacteria found in coastal waters. Vibrio vulnificus is becoming an annual threat along the Gulf Coast and -- increasingly...
Associated Press News
How to protect yourself from Vibrio vulnificus, the bacteria found in some coastal waters
States are warning beachgoers about a summertime surge in infections from a frightening, flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters.
99.3-105.7 Kiss FM
Flesh-Eating Bacteria Cases Surge Across U.S.
Source: Hero Images / Getty Health experts are sounding the alarm as cases of a dangerous flesh-eating bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, are on the rise along U.S. coastal states. The bacteria, which thrives in warm saltwater and brackish environments, can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections. Scientists warn that the warming of oceans due to climate change is creating ideal conditions for the bacteria to spread more widely and rapidly than ev…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 77% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
