The Louisiana Department of Health is confirming the fifth death this year from Vibrio vulnificus and continuing to urge residents to take precautions to prevent infection. The Department is still seeing a higher number of Vibrio cases and deaths than are typically reported.

Vibrio are bacteria that naturally live in coastal waters and are found in higher numbers from May to October, when water temperatures are warmer. Vibrio bacteria can cause illness when an open wound is exposed to coastal waters or when a person eats raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters.

About a dozen species of Vibrio can cause human illness, including gastrointestinal illness, wound infections, or blood poisoning (septicemia). Some Vibrio species, such as Vibrio vulnificus, can cause severe and life-thr

See Full Page