Sixth Flesh-eating Bacteria Fatality From Louisiana Harvested Oysters

After consuming Louisiana-harvested oysters contaminated with the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus, a sixth person has died along the Gulf of America.

The recently deceased were served the oysters at separate restaurants in Louisiana and Florida. 

On February 23, 2025, the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) stated that all Louisiana oysters harvested outside of Area 3, as well as all other Louisiana seafood statewide, are safe for human consumption. While cooking kills the virus, outbreaks have occurred from eating undercooked oysters harvested from contaminated waters.

During 2025, the LDH reported cases from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina.

As of August 28, 2025, the Florida Department of Health (FDH) reported 23 cases and five related deaths in various counties this year.

In 2024, FDH reported 82 cases and nineteen related deaths. Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota Counties experience an unusual increase due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene.

Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that usually lives in warm seawater and is part of a group of vibrios that are called "halophilic" because they require salt, says FDH. Oysters are filter feeders and can accumulate contaminants and microorganisms present in the water.

The U.S. CDC defines coastal waters as including both saltwater and brackish water. Brackish water is a mixture of saltwater and freshwater. It is often found where rivers meet the ocean.

Vibrio wound infections are treated with antibiotics and surgery to remove dead or infected tissue, according to the CDC.