Louisiana Warns Of Deadly Flesh-Eating Bacteria
11 hours ago
Louisiana health officials are urging beachgoers to take precautions amid an unusually deadly summer surge in Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially life-threatening bacteria found in warm coastal waters.
The state has confirmed nine infections so far this year, with all nine patients requiring hospitalization and five dying. Health officials say the numbers are above average for Louisiana.
The bacteria thrives in warm seawater and is especially common in brackish areas where fresh and saltwater mix, including estuaries and lagoons. Most infections occur between May and October, particularly along the Gulf Coast.
People can become infected when an open wound is exposed to contaminated coastal water or by eating raw or undercooked seafood. The CDC says Vibrio vulnificus is the deadliest type of Vibrio bacteria, with about one in five people who become infected dying from the illness.
The state has confirmed nine infections so far this year, with all nine patients requiring hospitalization and five dying. Health officials say the numbers are above average for Louisiana.
The bacteria thrives in warm seawater and is especially common in brackish areas where fresh and saltwater mix, including estuaries and lagoons. Most infections occur between May and October, particularly along the Gulf Coast.
People can become infected when an open wound is exposed to contaminated coastal water or by eating raw or undercooked seafood. The CDC says Vibrio vulnificus is the deadliest type of Vibrio bacteria, with about one in five people who become infected dying from the illness.
