BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Louisiana health officials are reporting the state’s fifth death from Vibrio vulnificus, a deadly flesh-eating bacteria , warning that infections are rising well above normal levels.

The Louisiana Department of Health said Tuesday (Sept. 16) that 26 Vibrio cases have been reported so far in 2025, with all patients hospitalized. Five of those cases were fatal. Nearly all patients reported open wound exposure to seawater, and most had underlying health conditions.

By comparison, the state typically records about 10 Vibrio vulnificus cases and one death per year.

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Health officials warn beachgoers about a surge in Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous flesh-eating bacteria spread

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