Rising Cases of Vibrio Vulnificus Infections in the U.S.
Six people have died after contracting Vibrio vulnificus, commonly referred to as the ‘flesh-eating’ bacterium, in Louisiana and Florida this year. Vibrio vulnificus is known to cause severe infections, and warnings have emerged in multiple states due to its presence.
Current Situation
Louisiana has reported nine cases this year among residents. All nine cases required hospitalization, and five patients died according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Historically, the state averages seven cases with one death over a similar period in previous years.
All infections in Louisiana involved wounds that came into contact with seawater, and each patient had an underlying health condition. Health officials urge the public to avoid exposing open wounds to saltwater or brackish water, especially in warmer months when the bacterium’s concentration increases.
Florida has independently recorded 12 cases of Vibrio vulnificus, with one resulting in death this year. This brings the total deaths in the two states to six, as reported by Fox 13 Tampa Bay. The fatality in Florida involved a resident of Palm Beach County, marking the first death in the state related to the bacterium in 2026.
About Vibrio Vulnificus
Vibrio vulnificus occurs naturally in coastal waters, with concentrations rising between May and October as water temperatures increase. Infections can result from open wound contact with saltwater or brackish water. Eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters, is another source of infection.
The bacterium is often described as ‘flesh-eating’ because infections can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, where tissue around a wound dies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in five people affected die, sometimes within one or two days of symptoms appearing.
Recent Cases in Other States
Beyond Louisiana and Florida, infections have been reported in Alabama and Connecticut. The Mobile County Health Department in Alabama announced its first vibriosis case of 2026 in April but did not specify the species, affected patient, or how the infection was contracted. Alabama recorded 16 vibriosis cases in 2025, with many linked to undercooked food and some from water exposure.
Connecticut reported a Vibrio vulnificus infection in February in a person who consumed contaminated oysters from outside the state.
There is currently no indication that infections across these states are connected.
Understanding Vibrio Vulnificus
Vibrio vulnificus is one of several Vibrio species causing vibriosis. It differs from Vibrio cholerae, responsible for cholera, and is not known to transmit between persons.
Infections are relatively rare, with 150 to 200 cases reported annually in the United States. However, the infection can progress rapidly, leading to life-threatening complications.
Severe complications are more likely in people with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, thalassemia, and those on immune-suppressing treatment. Individuals using medication reducing stomach acid or having had recent stomach surgery might also be at higher risk.
Symptoms vary with the infection type. Intestinal infection often causes diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. Wound infections may lead to redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, and fluid discharge.
If the bloodstream becomes infected, symptoms can include fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions. The CDC advises seeking immediate medical attention with any signs of Vibrio infection and informing healthcare providers about recent coastal water contact or raw seafood consumption.
Mild intestinal infections might clear without antibiotics, though rehydration is necessary. Severe infections necessitate antibiotics, while serious wound infections might require surgery to remove infected tissue. Prompt treatment can be lifesaving.