5 people have died from flesh-eating bacteria in Louisiana. What to know
Presley Bo TylerShreveport Times
Aug. 12, 2026, 4:02 a.m. CT
Vibrio are bacteria that naturally live in certain coastal waters, including salt water and brackish water, and they are found in higher numbers from May through October, when water temperatures are warmer
About a dozen variations of Vibrio can cause a human illness called vibriosis, including Vibrio vulnificus, which is contractednters a wound, according to the CDC
Nationwide, vibriosis from Vibrio vulnificus and other Vibrio bacteria causes an estimated 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths every year, with 52,000 cases of vibriosis resulting from eating contaminated food, according to the CDC
This bacteria can cause a fatal infection, and individuals should go to the ER immediately if they think they have a Vibrio vulnificus infection
Is Vibrio vulnificus found in Louisiana?
Vibrio vulnificus is present in Louisiana, as the bacteria is found in coastal waters. On average, between five and 15 cases of Vibrio vulnificus are reported each year in Louisiana, according to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
In September of 2025, Louisiana reported a total of 26 cases and five deaths. Louisiana reports an average of at least one death from Vibrio vulnificus annually, according to the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH)
Vibrio vulnificus infections have been most commonly reported, approximately 50% of cases, within Gulf Coast states, as the bacteria thrives in warm waters and in low-salt marine environments
Individuals at higher risk for wound infection include those with underlying health conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, and immunocompromising conditions, says the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners
How many cases, deaths of Vibrio vulnificus have been reported in Louisiana?
As of Aug. 5, the Louisiana Department of Health has reported nine cases of Vibrio vulnificus from wound/seawater exposure. Five people in total have died of Vibrio vulnificus in 2026
How is Vibrio vulnificus contracted? What to know
When the bacteria infects a person, it can cause the skin and soft tissue around a wound to quickly break down, and treatment may require limb amputation in order to stop the rapid flesh deterioration
Open wounds susceptible to Vibrio vulnificus infection include those from a recent surgery, piercing, tattoo, and other cuts or scrapes, including those acquired during aquatic activity
Vibrio vulnificus is primarily transmitted through open-wound contact with salt water or brackish water, and person-to-person transmission has not been reported. Common signs and symptoms of Vibrio infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever, says the CDC
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
