Five people have been killed after being infected with a flesh-eating bacteria in coastal waters off Louisiana, state officials said.
The bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, is not limited to Texas’ neighbor. Florida has reported cases of the pathogen, and Texas monitors for it
Here’s what you need to know about this pathogen that can cause illness, limb amputation and even death
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What is Vibrio vulnificus?
Vibrio are bacteria that live in coastal waters, and are found in higher numbers when the water is warmest, from May through October
The flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus can spread when someone eats raw, undercooked or contaminated shellfish, especially oysters. In the Louisiana cases, the pathogen was introduced to the victims when contaminated sea water came into contact with existing wounds
How dangerous is Vibrio vulnificus?
The CDC estimates that 80,000 cases of vibriosis are reported each yearin the United States, but not all of those cases are Vibrio vulnificus cases
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The Texas Department of State Health Services said that from 2015 to 2019, the average number of Vibrio vulnificus infections reported per year in Texas was 33. In 2019, 89% of the cases occurred from May to October
Those with underlying medical conditions, especially liver disease may be at increased risk of infection and serious complications, the Texas Department of State Health Services warns
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms that a wound has been infected range from blistering to sepsis in severe cases. Symptoms of severe bloodstream infection include sudden chills, decreased blood pressure and skin lesions. Gastrointestinal symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain
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In some cases, people with severe infections can require intensive care or limb amputation, the Louisiana health department said
The Texas Department of State Health Services said symptoms can arise from 16 hours to seven days after eating contaminated food or exposing a wound to contaminated water
What has happened in Louisiana?
The Louisiana Department of Health announced in a news release on Thursday that so far in 2026, nine cases of Vibrio vulnificus were reported in the state. All nine patients were hospitalized, and five of them died from the bacteria
Typically, about 1 in 5 people infected with Vibrio vulnificus dies, according to the Louisiana Department of Health, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill
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What the Texas Department of State Health Services says
To prevent illness, the Texas Department of State Health Services recommends thoroughly washing hands, utensils and surfaces after working with raw seafood. It also recommends wearing gloves while handling raw seafood and not handling it at all if you have an existing wound
As for preventing wound infections in coastal waters, the state says, it’s recommended to stay away from coastal water if you have a existing wound.
