Health officials urge caution for Gulf Coast beachgoers during surge of deadly bacterial infections

Louisiana health authorities are warning beachgoers to exercise caution as there has been a surge in infections from a deadly flesh-eating bacteria known as Vibrio vulnificus in coastal waters. This year, Louisiana has confirmed nine cases, with five fatalities, while the average over the past decade was seven cases and one death.

Health officials advise seeking immediate medical attention if a wound exposed to brackish or saltwater becomes red, swollen, painful, warm or discolored. Vibrio bacteria thrive in seawater and brackish mixtures found in estuaries and lagoons, with most infections reported between May and October, particularly in Gulf Coast states.

The most lethal form, Vibrio vulnificus, has a fatality rate of up to one in five cases. Florida has reported 14 cases and two deaths so far this year, compared to 33 cases and five deaths for all of last year. Factors such as tropical storms and hurricanes may contribute to higher infection rates in Florida. People can become infected by consuming raw or undercooked shellfish or through contact with ocean or brackish water, where the bacteria enter the body through breaks in the skin.

Risk factors include elderly patients, those with weakened immune systems, and individuals with liver disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Climate change is contributing to the spread of Vibrio vulnificus, with its northernmost case shifting about 30 miles each year. Symptoms to watch for include fever, chills, and hot red areas on the skin that turn dark and blister.

To prevent infection, wash cuts and scrapes thoroughly with soap and water after contact with coastal waters or raw seafood, and seek medical attention if symptoms arise.