Vibrio vulnificus advisory: Calcasieu coroner urges caution following rise in fatalities
Published 2:31 pm Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Calcasieu Parish Forensics Center
A spike in Vibrio vulnificus infections in Louisiana has resulted in nine confirmed cases and five deaths since August 5, according to health officials. All nine cases involved individuals with underlying medical conditions who exposed open wounds to seawater
The naturally occurring bacterium thrives in warm coastal and brackish waters from May through October. While it commonly infects open wounds exposed to seawater, it can also cause severe illness if ingested through raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters
These infections escalate rapidly. Without immediate treatment, they can lead to bloodstream infections, intensive care hospitalization, limb amputation, or death
“People with chronic liver or kidney disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems, or other serious health conditions face a higher risk of severe illness and should take particular care to avoid exposing broken skin to warm coastal water,” said Calcasieu Parish Coroner Dr. Joseph Dressler
Health officials urge residents and visitors to protect themselves by taking the following precautions:
• Keep open wounds completely out of salt, brackish, or coastal floodwater
• Cover cuts and scrapes with waterproof bandages if contact with coastal water is possible
• Wash exposed wounds immediately with soap and clean running water
• Cook oysters and shellfish thoroughly, and wear gloves when handling raw seafood
• Seek emergency medical care immediately if an exposed wound becomes red, swollen, painful, warm, or discolored, or if a fever develops. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider of the recent water exposure
