Louisiana Reports Four Vibrio Vulnificus Related Fatalities

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) recently announced it was urging residents to take precautions to prevent infection from Vibrio vulnificus. 

As of July 31, 2025, 17 cases of Vibrio vulnificus have been reported by LDH among Louisiana residents. All of these patients were hospitalized, and four of these illnesses resulted in death.

Of those 17 cases, 75% reported wound/seawater exposure.

During the same period over the previous 10 years, an average of seven Vibrio vulnificus cases and one death have been reported each year in Louisiana.

LHD says Vibrios are bacteria that naturally live in warm coastal waters and are found in higher numbers between May and October, when water temperatures are warmer.

About a dozen species of Vibrio can cause human illness. Some species, such as Vibrio vulnificus, can cause severe and life-threatening infections. Many people with Vibrio vulnificus infection can become seriously ill and need intensive care or limb amputation.

About one in five people with this infection dies, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill. It can cause illness when an open wound is exposed to coastal waters or when a person eats raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters.

LHD wrote in this press release the precautions that can help keep you safe:

Stay out of brackish or salt water if you have a wound, including cuts and scrapes.

Wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and water if they have been exposed to brackish or salt water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices.

Use caution when consuming raw or undercooked seafood, especially if you have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or have certain medical conditions like liver or stomach disorders. And wear protective gloves when handling raw seafood.

More information from LDH can be found at this U.S. CDC link.

Along the eastern Gulf of America, Florida reported 11 Vibrio vulnificus infections in various countries this year.

The Florida Department of Health reported that fatalities had occurred in Hillsborough, Bay, Broward, and St. Johns counties in 2025.

In 2024, Florida reported 82 cases and 19 fatalities, many in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties.