NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The Vibrio bacteria are naturally found in coastal brackish waters typically from May to October when temperatures are warmer.

With such a hot summer, the bacteria has been able to thrive, infecting 26 people so far in Louisiana and killing 5.

"This is a very high number for us which is why we are concerned," State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol said.

The bacteria is able to enter a body in two ways: through the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood or when exposed to an open wound.

Of the 26 cases in Louisiana, 85% reported wound seawater exposure.

"That's actually typical. So that's what you would expect to see for Vibrio Vulnificus anywhere that it occurs. It's a much smaller proportion that is associated with consumption of raw seafood," Sokol said.

John Me

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