The warm waters of the Gulf Coast are proving increasingly dangerous this year, as a rare and deadly bacteria has claimed another life in Louisiana.
Officials are warning residents to stay vigilant, as Vibrio vulnificus infections continue to rise at an alarming rate.
Vibrio Vulnificus Thrives in Warm Coastal Waters
Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria that flourishes in warm, salty water, is more active between May and October.
Louisiana has already reported 26 infections this year—more than double the number recorded in 2024.
Sadly, one in five people infected with this bacteria will die, as it can cause necrotizing fasciitis, a severe condition that destroys skin and tissue.
How People Get Infected
The latest victim’s identity and method of infection have not been confirmed.
According to the Louisiana Department of Health, most people contract Vibrio vulnificus either through open wounds exposed to contaminated seawater or by consuming raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters.
This year, two deaths were directly linked to raw oysters, while 85% of infections were traced to wounds and contact with seawater.
Warming Waters Push Infections Beyond the Gulf
Experts say rising ocean temperatures may be fueling the spread of Vibrio infections.
“It’s not just a Gulf Coast phenomenon any longer,” Fred Lopez, an infectious disease specialist at LSU Health, told CBS News.
“Global warming is moving infections with Vibrio vulnificus up the East Coast.”
In addition to Louisiana, Vibrio infections have been reported across the Gulf Coast: Alabama has seen 10 cases (one fatal), Mississippi three (one fatal), and Florida 13, with eight deaths.
Cases have even been recorded as far north as Massachusetts, prompting closures of some oyster beds.
Louisiana Sees Unusually High Numbers
“Louisiana continues to see a higher number of Vibrio cases and deaths than are typically reported,” the state Department of Health said.
In the past decade, the state averaged just seven cases and one death per year, highlighting how unusual this year’s outbreak has become.
Symptoms Can Escalate Quickly
Mild infections may cause watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramping, and fever.
But in severe cases, Vibrio vulnificus can lead to bloodstream infections, dangerously low blood pressure, and necrotizing fasciitis.
Extreme infections may require amputations to remove dead or infected tissue.
People with underlying health conditions like liver disease or cancer face a higher risk, but the Louisiana Department of Health warns that anyone can be affected.
Health Department Offers Safety Tips
Residents are urged to avoid brackish or salt water if they have cuts or open wounds.
If exposure is unavoidable, wounds should be covered with a waterproof bandage.
The department also advises seeking immediate medical attention if a skin infection develops after water exposure.
Personal Story Highlights Danger
The risks are very real, as seen in the case of 39-year-old Ben West.
After a crabbing and mullet fishing trip under a bridge in Port St. Joe, Florida, West began experiencing severe swelling and burning in his foot and ankle.
His fiancée, Jamie Knowles, rushed him to the hospital after he described the sensation as his leg being on fire.
Doctors initially misdiagnosed him with cellulitis and prescribed antibiotics, which worsened the blisters and caused his blood pressure to drop dangerously low.
“There were blisters everywhere, they were busting, it was swelling, you couldn’t recognize his leg compared to the other one, it was actually four times bigger than the other one,” Knowles told WJHG.
Community Support and Recovery Updates
West’s family has set up a GoFundMe to cover his medical bills.
Knowles has kept supporters updated, sharing that after his third surgery on August 29, doctors were confident they had stopped the bacteria from spreading further.