A deadly flesh-eating bacteria is infecting more people than usual along the Gulf Coast, with cases confirmed in Louisiana and Florida. Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but potentially life-threatening illness, has been linked to warm water temperatures and contaminated seafood.
According to Dr. Alok Patel, a pediatrician at Stanford Children’s Health, the bacteria is typically found in warm waters during summer months. The main risk factor for contracting the infection is having fresh wounds or cuts while swimming.
Immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible to the illness, but anyone can get infected. Raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters, also poses a significant risk. Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and diarrhea.
Infections can progress to wound infections, characterized by fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, or discharge, and bloodstream infections, which may cause low blood pressure, blistering skin lesions, or even death. To minimize the risk of infection, it is essential to avoid swimming with open wounds and cooking seafood thoroughly before consumption.
Source: https://weather.com/news/news/2025-08-04-flesh-eating-bacteria-gulf-coast-cases