New warning from Louisiana health leaders after deadly bacteria found in coastal waters
Five people from Louisiana have died in 2026 from Vibrio vulnificus infections
BATON ROUGE, La. —
The Louisiana Department of Health is warning residents to be careful in warm coastal waters, as cases of Vibrio vulnificus are on the rise.
So far in 2026, there have been nine cases of the deadly bacteria, all of which involved people who had wounds exposed to seawater. The patients also had underlying health conditions.
All nine patients were hospitalized, and five died.
During the same period over the previous 10 years, Louisiana reported an average of seven cases and one death.
Vibrio bacteria are found naturally in warm coastal waters. The number of cases tend to increase from May to October, when water temperatures are warmer.
Infection can occur when an open wound is exposed to brackish or salt water or when a person eats raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters.
Vibrio infection can result in gastrointestinal illness, wound infection, or blood poisoning.
People with severe infections may require intensive care or limb amputation. About one in five people with Vibrio vulnificus infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill.
Seek medical care immediately if a wound exposed to brackish or salt water becomes red, swollen, painful, warm, or discolored. Tell the health care provider about the water exposure.
Signs of a bloodstream infection include fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions.