Louisiana patient dies from flesh-eating bacteria as US sees dozens of cases this year
Louisiana sees increase in flesh-eating bacteria cases
- A resident in Louisiana has died from an infection caused byVibrio vulnificus, a rare flesh-eating bacteria, contributing to a higher-than-usual number of cases in the state this year.
- Louisiana has confirmed 26 Vibrio cases and five deaths this year, significantly exceeding its annual average of 10 cases and one death over the past decade.
- The bacteria, naturally occurring in warm coastal waters, typically infect individuals through open wounds exposed to seawater or by consuming raw shellfish.
- While healthy people usually experience mild symptoms, those with weakened immune systems face severe complications, including septic shock, amputation, or necrotizing fasciitis, with about one in five dying within days.
- Health officials advise avoiding raw shellfish and keeping open wounds covered or out of brackish or salt water to prevent infection.