State Epidemiologist Says Risk of Deadly Flesh-Eating Bacterial Infection Is on the Rise

Louisiana health officials warn of a rise in deadly bacterial infections from Gulf water exposure, shellfish

Louisiana health officials urge caution as Vibrio vulnificus infections spike, urging wound care when in coastal waters and careful seafood handling.

Flesh-eating bacteria on the rise in Louisiana waterways

The Department of Health said the rate of infection is higher than normal this year, with 17 people hospitalized and four deaths.

State epidemiologist says risk of deadly flesh-eating bacterial infection is on the rise

The Louisiana Department of Health says a flesh-eating bacteria found in warm coastal waters is on the rise, hospitalizing 17 people and killing four in the state this year.

Louisiana Department of Health reports 4 deaths, 17 cases linked to flesh eating bacteria

BATON ROUGE — Four deaths and 17 cases of Vibrio vulnificus have been reported among Louisiana residents this year, the Louisiana Department of Health said Thursday.

Louisiana reports four deaths from common bacteria in coastal waters

Sea birds perch along Louisiana’s coast in Grand Isle. (Elise Plunk/Louisiana Illuminator)Bacterial infections from coastal waters and seafood are abnormally high in Louisiana so far this year, with 17 hospitalizations and four deaths so far, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.  This is a jump up from the average of seven cases and one death over the same period in previous years. Of the 17 people hospitalized, 75% reported their op…

Louisiana sees increase in flesh-eating bacteria infections; 4 deaths reported in 2025

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Louisiana Department of Health reports four people have died after being hospitalized for a flesh-eating bacteria in 2025 amid a rise in infections. Those four cases were among 17 reported cases of Vibrio vulnificus this year, which is a higher average than LDH has seen over the previous 10 years. With the increase in cases this year, LDH is asking people to take precautions. Health officials said 75% of …