The Gulf Coast has seen a rise in infections caused by Vibrio vulnificus, a deadly pathogen found in warm saltwater and raw shellfish known for its ability to rapidly infect and destroy skin and tissue.

So far this year, the bacteria has been linked to over 70 infections and nine deaths across Louisiana, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas. Louisiana accounts for a disproportionate share of the cases, with 20 infections and four deaths. In comparison, the state averaged just seven cases and one death per year over the past decade.

Experts point to several factors fueling the recent increase, including rising water temperatures and storm runoff that provides nutrients for bacterial growth. While the bacterium can sometimes enter the body through eating raw or undercooked seafood, the

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