"Five people in Louisiana have died in 2025 from a flesh-eating bacterium found in warm coastal waters, substantially exceeding the annual average on such deaths, state officials have said. Those who had died from contracting Vibrio vulnificus as of Wednesday were among at least 26 to be infected with the bacterium, with each case resulting in hospitalization, according to Louisiana's department of health."
"Vibrio bacteria flourish in warm coastal waters and proliferate between May and October. Infections can result from exposing an open wound to seawater or from consuming seafood that is either raw or undercooked. About one in five people who contract Vibrio vulnificus in particular die occasionally within two days of feeling sick from the infection. Those who do survive such an infection on occasion require limb amputation or intensive care."
Five people in Louisiana died in 2025 after contracting Vibrio vulnificus, with at least 26 infections reported and each case requiring hospitalization. Most infections (85%) involved wounds exposed to seawater, and 92% of patients had at least one underlying health condition. Louisiana's decade-long average is about 10 Vibrio infections and one death, so 2025 numbers are substantially higher. Vibrio bacteria thrive in warm coastal waters and proliferate from May through October. Infections occur through open-wound exposure to seawater or consumption of raw or undercooked seafood. About 20% of Vibrio vulnificus cases are fatal, sometimes within two days, and survivors may need amputations or intensive care. Warmer sea surface temperatures linked to human-driven climate change are associated with increasing Vibrio infections.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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