A dangerous threat is seeing an alarming resurgence in the warm coastal waters of the Gulf Coast. Vibrio vulnificus, a rare bacterium that can cause life-threatening infections, has claimed at least five lives in Louisiana so far in 2025, a significant increase over the state’s average of one death per year. This outbreak forms part of a broader pattern of rising cases in the region, linked by experts to warming ocean temperatures.
The Louisiana Department of Health confirms that the state has recorded 26 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infection this year, with all patients requiring hospitalization. The data reveals that the vast majority of these cases (85%) occurred after wounds were exposed to seawater, and nearly all infected individuals (92%) had at least one underlying health condition, stressing the severe and rapid nature of the infection, which has a mortality rate of about one in five.
The Spread of a “Flesh-Eating” Bacterium
Vibrio vulnificus is naturally found in warm, brackish coastal waters and proliferates between May and October. While infections have historically been associated with the Gulf Coast states, health officials note a concerning trend. “It’s not just a Gulf Coast phenomenon any longer,” said Dr. Fred Lopez, an infectious disease specialist at LSU Health, speaking to CBS News. “Global warming is moving infections with Vibrio vulnificus up the East Coast”. Cases have been reported as far north as Massachusetts.
The bacterium can cause an infection called necrotizing fasciitis, which destroys soft tissue. Infections occur in two primary ways: through consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, or when an open wound comes into contact with contaminated water. In Louisiana, two of this year’s fatalities were linked to eating raw oysters. The infection can progress with incredible speed, sometimes proving fatal within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
A Regional Public Health Challenge
The outbreak is not confined to Louisiana. Neighboring states are also reporting cases. Alabama has documented 10 infections, Mississippi has reported three, one of which was fatal, and Florida had recorded 28 cases and five deaths as of earlier reports. The situation in Florida, a known hot spot for Vibrio bacteria, demonstrates the impact of extreme weather; the state experienced significant spikes in cases following hurricanes Ian in 2022 and Helene in 2024, when floodwaters and storm surge increased exposure risks.
State and local health officials have urged residents and visitors to coastal areas to take preventive measures. Key recommendations include avoiding raw or undercooked shellfish and staying out of warm salt or brackish water if you have any cuts, scrapes, or recent wounds.
For clinicians, immediate treatment with specific antibiotics is essential upon suspicion of infection, and severe cases may require surgical intervention or amputation to remove dead tissue.
