Record Number of ‘Flesh-Eating’ Bacteria Infections in Louisiana With Six Dead

Six Dead in Louisiana Due to Flesh-Eating Bacteria

Bacteria Linked to Oysters

Authorities Issue Warning

According to the EFE news agency, the state of Louisiana is facing a troubling record of infections caused by the dangerous bacteria known as “flesh-eating.”

Health authorities confirmed that at least 34 people have been infected so far this year.

Six of them have died, making 2025 the year with the most deaths from this cause in the past decade.

The Louisiana Department of Health issued a statement urging the public to take extreme precautions.

Deaths Linked to Oyster Consumption

#Aug28 | Six people have died and 34 have been infected so far in 2025 in the state of Louisiana, United States, due to the bacteria «Vibrio vulnificus,» popularly known as “flesh-eating.”… pic.twitter.com/fMYwRMET0B

— El Diario (@eldiario) August 28, 2025

The warning came after it was revealed that the two most recent deaths were linked to the consumption of contaminated oysters.

These fatalities raised the total number of deaths caused by Vibrio vulnificus, the scientific name of the bacteria, to its highest level in ten years.

The outbreak has become a source of public alarm and a challenge for local health authorities.

Experts point out that the increase in cases is associated with eating raw shellfish and exposure to coastal waters.

Flesh-Eating Bacteria in Louisiana and Its Risks

Record Number of ‘Flesh-Eating’ Bacteria Infections in Louisiana – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

The “flesh-eating” bacteria usually thrives in warm, brackish, or slightly salty waters, such as those along the Gulf Coast.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn that it can spread through different routes.

These include eating raw oysters and shellfish, or exposing open wounds to seawater.

This makes swimmers and fishery workers particularly vulnerable to infection.

Symptoms and Severe Complications in Patients

In most cases, the fleash-eating bacteria infection causes digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.

However, in patients with weakened immune systems, the consequences can be much more severe.

Vibrio vulnificus can cause septicemia, tissue necrosis, and in extreme cases, the need for amputations.

According to the CDC, one in five people infected with this bacteria dies.

Vibrio Vulnificus Prevention and Recommendations From Authorities

The Louisiana Department of Health stressed the importance of thoroughly cooking shellfish before consumption.

It also recommended that people avoid contact with seawater if they have open wounds.

Authorities reminded the public that Vibrio vulnificus does not alter the appearance or taste of oysters.

For this reason, contamination cannot be detected at first glance in restaurants or markets.

Environmental Impact and Future Challenges

The latest deaths were linked to oysters harvested in Louisiana waters and served in local establishments.

Some of these businesses were even located in the neighboring state of Florida, according to investigations.

The spread of the flesh-eating bacteria outbreak is particularly concerning because oyster consumption is a culinary tradition in the southern United States.

Experts insist that the only safe way to eat these shellfish is to cook them properly.