Health officials urge caution for Gulf Coast beachgoers during surge of deadly bacterial infections

Louisiana has confirmed nine Vibrio vulnificus cases this year, all hospitalized and five fatal.

Vibrio bacteria thrive in seawater and brackish water found in estuaries and lagoons.

Most infections occur from May to October, mainly in Gulf Coast states.

People can become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, or through skin breaks exposed to water.

this year: Louisiana confirms nine Vibrio vulnificus cases, all hospitalized, five fatal. · over the previous decade: Louisiana averaged seven cases and one death during the same period each year. · so far this year: Florida reports 14 Vibrio vulnificus cases and two deaths. · last year: Florida reported 33 cases and five deaths for the full year. · 2023: A study finds the northernmost Vibrio case has shifted about 30 miles north each year, with rising case numbers.

9 Louisiana cases · 5 Louisiana deaths · 1 in 5 fatality rate · 14 Florida cases · 30 miles northward shift per year