Louisiana Reports Five Deaths from Vibrio vulnificus This Year
The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is urging residents to take precautions as the state grapples with a deadly outbreak of Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria found in warm coastal waters. So far in 2026, at least five people have died and nine have been hospitalized in Louisiana due to the infection, according to state health officials. All nine patients had underlying health conditions, and each case was linked to wounds exposed to seawater.
This marks a significant increase compared to the state's recent average. Over the past decade, Louisiana has seen an average of seven Vibrio vulnificus cases and one fatality per year. In 2025, however, there were at least 26 cases and five deaths, signaling a worrying upward trend.
Meanwhile, Florida has also reported at least one death from Vibrio vulnificus this year, with a total of 12 infections statewide. The deceased was an individual in their 80s from Palm Beach County, according to NBC 6. Florida's health department is investigating the case but has not provided details on how the person became infected.
What Is Vibrio vulnificus?
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that thrives in warm, brackish, and saltwater environments. It is part of the Vibrio genus, which includes the pathogen that causes cholera. While Vibrio vulnificus infections are rarer than cholera globally, they are far more lethal. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in five people infected with Vibrio vulnificus die, sometimes within just a day or two of becoming ill.
The bacteria can cause a range of illnesses, including gastroenteritis (diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting), wound infections, and bloodstream infections. Severe cases may require intensive care or even amputation of affected limbs.
Why This Outbreak Is Concerning
The current numbers in Louisiana are alarming not only because of the death toll but also because they reflect a broader national trend. Public health experts have noted that Vibrio vulnificus infections are on the rise in the U.S., and climate change is a key driver. As ocean and coastal water temperatures increase, the bacteria are expanding their geographic range, appearing in areas where they were previously rare.
This spring, for example, Vibrio vulnificus was detected in water samples taken off Long Island, New York—a region that historically has not experienced such infections. Rising water temperatures linked to climate change are creating more favorable conditions for the bacteria to thrive, putting new communities at risk.
Major storms also exacerbate the problem. Florida saw a spike in Vibrio vulnificus cases after Hurricane Helene in 2024, as floodwaters and standing water brought the bacteria into contact with people. The state reported 19 deaths in 2024 and another five in 2025, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While anyone can contract Vibrio vulnificus, certain groups face a higher risk of severe illness and death. The Louisiana Department of Health identifies people with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, thalassemia, and those receiving immunosuppressive treatments as particularly vulnerable. Additionally, individuals taking medications that reduce stomach acid or those who have recently undergone stomach surgery are at increased risk.
The infection is typically contracted in two ways: when an open wound comes into contact with seawater or brackish water, or through consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters. The CDC notes that Vibrio infections are most common between May and October, when water temperatures are warmest.
How to Protect Yourself and What This Means Going Forward
Health officials are urging the public to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of Vibrio vulnificus infection. The Louisiana Department of Health recommends staying out of brackish or salt water if you have an open wound, including cuts, scrapes, recent surgical wounds, or piercings. If contact is unavoidable, cover wounds with a waterproof bandage and wash thoroughly with soap and water afterward.
When handling raw seafood, wear gloves and keep cooked seafood separate from raw juices. Cook shellfish thoroughly, especially for individuals who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have liver or stomach conditions. Those in high-risk groups should wear protective clothing and footwear when in coastal waters to avoid cuts and scrapes.
A Growing Threat
The rising incidence of Vibrio vulnificus is part of a larger pattern of foodborne and waterborne pathogens that are becoming more prevalent in the U.S. As Dr. Jill Roberts, a professor of public health at the University of South Florida, noted in a recent interview, several pathogens—including listeria, shigella, E. coli, yersinia, and vibrio—have all seen documented increases in recent years. While better laboratory detection may account for some of the rise, the impact is real and requires attention.
"We should consider how they are spreading and what to do about it," Roberts said.
The CDC's PulseNet network, which helps detect and track outbreaks, is critical to stopping these threats, but experts warn that it is under-resourced. With climate change expected to continue warming coastal waters, Vibrio vulnificus infections are likely to become more frequent and occur in new regions. This makes public awareness and prevention more important than ever.
For now, residents in coastal states like Louisiana and Florida are advised to remain vigilant, especially during the warmer months. If you experience symptoms such as fever, skin discoloration, or severe pain around a wound after exposure to seawater, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment is crucial to surviving a Vibrio vulnificus infection.
As the LDH begins posting weekly Vibrio vulnificus case data on its Public Health Data Spotlight webpage, the public will have better access to real-time information to assess local risks. Health officials hope that with increased awareness and precautionary measures, the number of infections and deaths can be curtailed.
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