Flesh-eating bacteria linked to oysters has caused 10 deaths combined in Louisiana and Florida this year, according to the states’ health departments.
As of this Wednesday, the Louisiana Department of Public Health reported 17 total cases of exposure to these bacteria – Vibrio vulnificus – including six deaths. As of Thursday, the Florida Department of Health reported 22 total cases so far this year, including four deaths.
Vibrio vulnificus naturally live in coastal waters, making Louisiana and Florida particularly vulnerable to the bacteria. Typically, more of it is found from May through October, when water temperatures warm up. The Louisiana health department noted that it is known as a flesh-eating bacteria.
One way people get sick from vibrio (there are other types outside of vulnificus) is by exposing an open wound to coastal waters, the Louisiana Department of Health explained. Another way is by eating undercooked seafood – oysters are a particular risk since they are often served raw.
In Louisiana alone, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries manages approximately 1.7 million acres of public oyster areas. According to Louisiana Seafood, Louisiana’s oyster industry accounts for almost 4,000 jobs, has an economic impact of $317 million annually.
Florida also has “famous” oysters, according to its Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
“Oysters are among Florida’s top commercial seafood products in terms of dockside value, and oysters are valuable in many other ways too,” the department explained. “They play a critical role in their ecosystems, filtering and cleaning the water, helping to stabilize the coastline, and providing habitat for fish, shrimp, crabs and other animals.”
Around 80,000 cases of vibriosis, the infection caused by vibrio bacteria, are reported in the U.S. every year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of those, around 52,000 come from eating contaminated seafood. Vibrio vulnificus infections in particular only account for around 150 to 200 infections annually and about one in five people infected with this particular type of the vibrio bacteria die. In 2023, Audacy reported on how vibrio vulnificus can thrive after storms.
Per the CDC, symptoms of a vibrio infection can include: watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. Wound infection symptoms can include fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration and discharge. Blood infections are also possible, with symptoms that include fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure and blistering skin lesions, the Louisiana Department of Public Health said.
While anyone can get a vibrio infection, people with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, or thalassemia can be more vulnerable to infection. Additionally, people receiving immune-suppressing therapy for the treatment of a disease, taking medicine that decreases stomach acid levels, and who have recently had stomach surgery could be at a higher risk.
To prevent infection, the Louisiana Department of Public Health recommends that anyone with open or healing wounds stay out of salt water or brackish (mixed salt and freshwater) water or that they keep their wounds covered with a waterproof bandage. If wounds get exposed to potentially contaminated water, people are advised to thoroughly clean them with soap and water.
Anyone who develops symptoms and believes they may have a vibrio infection should contact a medical provider. Also, anyone who handles raw shellfish should always wash their hands with soap and water afterwards.
