Louisiana Death Toll Rises As Flesh Eating Disease Runs Rampant

Multiple recent deaths have been reported in connection with a flesh-eating disease in Louisiana. Health officials have been sharing updates on the story, including the rising death toll. In addition, information has come out on how the disease spreads and how people can protect themselves.

Reported Cases Are Already More Than Double Last Year’s

Multiple people in Louisiana have been made sick or even lost their lives due an outbreak of vibriosis. This illness is caused by the flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus bacteria.

The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the latest death on September 16. At this time, not only is the number of Vibrio cases rising, but it is also already surpassed double the cases from last year.

As the Louisiana Department of Health reported, at least five people are known to have died from the bacteria this year alone, in addition to dozens of other people made sick by it. Reportedly, “continues to see a higher number of Vibrio cases and deaths than are typically reported.”

For comparison, in 2024, there were only 10 reported cases of the bacteria, with one reported death. This year, there have been 26 reported cases of vibriosis. All patients have also reportedly required hospitalization.

At Least Two Reported Deaths Were Connected To Oysters

Vibrios are flesh-eating bacteria that live in saltwater. They can also live in brackish water, which mixes fresh and saltwater. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that most people are sickened by the bacteria from eating raw or uncooked shellfish.

The bacteria can reportedly “concentrate” inside the shellfish. Oysters are especially said to be at risk.

According to WBRZ, at least two of the deaths in Louisiana were connected to the victims eating oysters. However, Vibrio can also cause an infection if a swimmer has an open cut, scrape, recent tattoo, or piercing. In fact, the Department of Health claimed that 85% of those infected claimed to have “wound/seawater exposure.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims that the best-case scenario for those with the infection will face “watery diarrhea, often accompanied by stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever.”

Doctors Warned That ‘Anyone’ Could Be Infected By The Bacteria, But Pre-Existing Conditions Don’t Help

Things could become more severe with bloodstream and wound infections. This can cause the flesh-eating disease, also known as necrotizing fasciitis. In some cases, doctors need to remove a patient’s arms and legs due to the bacteria and dead tissue. Pre-existing conditions, like cancer or liver disease, can also make the bacteria more dangerous.

The health department shared, “Stay out of brackish or salt water if you have a wound (including cuts and scrapes), or cover your wound with a waterproof bandage if there’s a possibility it could come into contact with brackish or salt water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices.

It is also recommended to see a doctor immediately if a skin infection develops after water exposure. As the department warned, however, “Anyone can get a Vibrio infection.”

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