Kit KittlestadAug 10, 2026 5 min read

5 Dead in Louisiana After Flesh-Eating Bacteria Infections

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A day at the beach usually calls for sunscreen, plenty of water, and maybe a good book. This summer, health officials want us to add one more thing to that mental checklist: any cuts or scrapes on our skin.

Louisiana is reporting an unusual rise in Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially deadly bacteria found naturally in warm coastal waters.

So far in 2026, nine people in Louisiana have been infected, and five have died. All nine were hospitalized, had underlying health conditions, and developed their infections after open wounds were exposed to seawater.

That's prompted health officials to remind anyone heading to the coast to take a few simple precautions.

Vibrio Naturally Lives in Coastal Waters

Despite its alarming nickname, Vibrio vulnificus isn't a mysterious new bacteria that suddenly appeared at the beach. Vibrio bacteria occur naturally in coastal waters, including salt water and brackish water, where fresh and salt water mix.

According to the CDC, they're found in higher concentrations between May and October, when the water temperatures are warmer.

People can develop a Vibrio infection in two main ways: by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, or when contaminated coastal water comes into contact with an open wound.

This Year's Numbers Are Getting Attention

Louisiana typically sees cases of Vibrio vulnificus, but this year's numbers are unusually concerning. By this point in the year, the state has historically averaged about seven cases and one death.

In 2026, officials have already reported nine cases and five deaths. The CDC says about one in five people who develop a Vibrio vulnificus infection die, sometimes within just a day or two of becoming sick, and severe cases can require intensive care or even limb amputation.

That's also where the familiar term "flesh-eating bacteria" comes from. Some Vibrio infections can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a serious infection that causes tissue around a wound to die.

A Tiny Cut Can Be Enough

You don't need a dramatic injury to have an open wound. The CDC includes everyday cuts and scrapes, recent surgical incisions, and even recent tattoos and piercings in its definition.

If you have one, the safest choice is to stay out of salt or brackish water until it heals. If contact can't be avoided, cover the area completely with a waterproof bandage.

And don't forget your feet. Wearing protective footwear around shells, rocks, and other sharp objects can help prevent a new cut from turning an otherwise relaxing beach day into a medical problem.

Know What an Infection Can Look Like

A wound infection may initially look like something we'd normally expect from an irritated cut.

The CDC says warning signs can include:

Redness
Swelling
Pain
Warmth
Discoloration
Discharge
Fever

This isn't one to watch for a few days and see what happens. Louisiana health officials are urging anyone who develops concerning symptoms after a wound has been exposed to coastal water to seek medical attention immediately, and tell the doctor that you were in the water.

People with underlying medical conditions, particularly liver disease, have a higher risk of developing serious complications from Vibrio.

Raw Oysters Are Another Source of Infection

The water isn't the only place to be cautious. Raw and undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, can also carry Vibrio. And, unfortunately, there's no sniff test that will help us out here.

An oyster containing harmful bacteria won't necessarily look, smell, or taste any different. Lemon juice, hot sauce, and that cocktail you're enjoying alongside it won't kill Vibrio either. Proper cooking will.

The CDC recommends thoroughly cooking shellfish and washing your hands after handling raw seafood.

You Don't Have to Give Up Your Beach Day

News about flesh-eating bacteria is enough to make anyone look at the ocean a little bit differently, but this isn't a reason to abandon the beach for the rest of the summer.

Instead, make beach safety a little more personal. Before heading into coastal water, give yourself a quick once-over for cuts, scrapes, or anything else that hasn't completely healed.

Cover any wounds, wear protective shoes when appropriate, and wash any cuts thoroughly with soap and clean running water if they come into contact with coastal water.

The ocean will still be there when that scrape on your ankle heals. So, sometimes, sitting a swim out is the easiest way to make sure you'll be back in the water for the next one.