Louisiana Warns on Vibrio After 5 Deaths and 9 Cases Tied to Seawater Wounds
Updated
Updated · KFDM-TV News · Aug 13
Louisiana Warns on Vibrio After 5 Deaths and 9 Cases Tied to Seawater Wounds
3 articles · Updated · KFDM-TV News · Aug 13
Summary
Five people have died among nine confirmed Vibrio vulnificus infections in Louisiana this year, prompting Calcasieu Parish Coroner Joseph Dressler to issue a public warning.
All nine cases reported as of Aug. 5 were linked to open wounds exposed to warm coastal or brackish water, not shellfish, and every patient had underlying health conditions.
Dressler said the bacteria can turn life-threatening within hours, with some local cases ending in intensive care, amputation or death before lab confirmation returns.
State totals already exceed the previous 10-year average for the same period of seven cases and one death per year, with risk highest from May through October.
Health officials urged people with cuts—especially older adults and those with liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer or weakened immunity—to avoid seawater exposure and seek immediate care for redness, swelling, pain or fever.