A deadly bacterium that thrives in warm coastal waters has killed five people in Louisiana so far in 2026, state health officials announced on Thursday, August 6. Officials asked residents to take precautions to avoid infection by the flesh-eating bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus. Scientists have previously warned that V vulnificus’ range would expand as temperatures warm due to human-made climate change.
In Louisiana, nine cases of V. vulnificus infection have been reported this year (2026) — all via exposure to open wounds. All patients had underlying health problems and ended up in the hospital. Five patients died.
In Florida, state health officials have reported two deaths from V. vulnificus this year (2026). Infections are most common in the summer months, when warmer ocean temperatures create the perfect breeding grounds for the bacteria.
Read More: Why Flesh-Eating Vibrio Bacteria Is Becoming a Bigger Threat Along U.S. Coasts
An Increase in Vibrio vulnificus Cases
Most concerningly, cases are rising. Over the last ten years, Louisiana has averaged seven infections and one death per year. Cases are still rare — 1,100 wound infections were reported in the U.S. between 1988 and 2018 — but they increased eightfold over that same period.
A big factor in this increase, according to experts, is that climate change is warming the ocean. Over the 30 years to 2018, the limit of V. vulnificus detection moved nearly 31 miles (50 kilometers) northward per year. In 2026, samples of the bacterium were found in New York’s Long Island, according to reporting from CBS News.
Explore All OptionsA 2023 Scientific Reports study of the bacterium predicted that V. vulnificus infections would be present in every state on the Eastern seaboard if global emissions continued at a medium-to-high level.
How Does Vibrio vulnificus Infect Humans?
V. vulnificus infects humans who eat contaminated shellfish or by entering open wounds exposed to seawater. It’s in the same genus as other nasty characters such as V. cholerae, which causes cholera. While some cases of ingested V. vulnificus only cause gut inflammation, 60 percent of cases proceed to sepsis, and half of people with this disease will die, according to the NIH.
If someone is infected with the bacterium through an open wound, it can rapidly destroy the surrounding tissue. One in four people infected in this way will die. Other symptoms include fever, pain around the wound, changes in skin color, and the formation of fluid-filled blisters called bullae.
How to Prevent Vibrio vulnificus Infection
Officials say that staying away from warm, salty water is the best way to avoid infection. Wounds should be covered with a waterproof bandage if there is a risk of exposure to salty water or contaminated seafood.
If a wound is exposed, it should be washed with soap. Seafood should be thoroughly cooked and kept separately from uncooked seafood.
People with pre-existing health conditions like liver disease, cancer, HIV, thalassemia, or diabetes are at heightened risk of severe complications, as are people who have suppressed immune systems or take stomach acid-reducing medication. People in a high-risk group, officials said, should wear protective clothing to prevent cuts in coastal water and wear gloves when handling raw seafood.
This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.
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Article Sources
Our writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:
- This article references information from the Louisiana Department of Health: LDH urges precautions following increase in severe Vibrio vulnificus infections
- This article references information from CBS News: Flesh-eating bacteria has killed 5 in Louisiana this year, officials say
- This article references information from a study published in Scientific Reports: Climate warming and increasing Vibrio vulnificus infections in North America
- This article references information from the NIH: Vibrio vulnificus Infection
