Louisiana has reported five deaths this year from Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacteria found in warm coastal waters. The infections typically occur when an open wound is exposed to brackish or saltwater, or when consuming raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters.
All five patients in Louisiana died after being infected with the bacteria, which enters the body through open wounds and can lead to life-threatening infections and amputations. Each patient had underlying health conditions and was exposed to seawater before their infection. No further details were provided about the individuals.
These five fatalities bring the total number of deaths from Vibrio vulnificus nationwide to at least seven this year, with two previously reported in Florida. Across the U.S., more than 30 infections have been recorded so far in 2026, with Florida reporting 14 cases, Mississippi seven, and one each in Alabama and Connecticut. Louisiana has documented nine infections this year, compared to seven cases and one death during the same period last year.
Vibrio bacteria occur naturally in warm coastal waters and are more prevalent from May to October when water temperatures are higher. Vibrio thrives in surface waters above 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). Health officials note that about one in five people infected with Vibrio vulnificus die, sometimes within 48 hours of becoming ill.
Florida, another Gulf Coast state with a high incidence of Vibrio infections, has reported 14 cases and two deaths from Vibrio vulnificus in 2026. State officials confirmed that all nine cases in Louisiana were linked to seawater-exposed wounds, and every patient had pre-existing health conditions that heightened their risk.
Nationwide, the U.S. experiences an estimated 150 to 200 cases of Vibrio vulnificus annually, with approximately half occurring in Gulf Coast states. Warning signs of infection include rapidly spreading skin redness or rash, swelling, pain, and fluid-filled blisters. In severe cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Individuals with weakened immune systems, liver disease, diabetes, or other underlying health conditions are most vulnerable. Health officials advise anyone with an open wound to avoid contact with saltwater and brackish water. If exposure is unavoidable, wounds should be covered with waterproof bandages and thoroughly washed afterward. They also recommend against eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, during warmer months.