Health officials in Louisiana are urging beachgoers to take precautions during a summertime surge in infections from a flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters.
Louisiana has confirmed nine cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections this year, the state’s health department said last week in a news release. All were hospitalized, and five died. During the same period over the previous decade, Louisiana reported an average of seven cases and one death.
“Seek medical care immediately if a wound exposed to brackish or salt water becomes red, swollen, painful, warm or discolored,” officials said in the release. “Tell the health care provider about the water exposure.”
The Gulf is an ideal environment
Vibrio bacteria thrive in seawater and in the brackish mix of fresh and saltwater found in estuaries and lagoons. Most infections are reported from May to October, and most happen in states along the Gulf Coast. Doctors say the Gulf is an ideal environment with the right amounts of salt and heat to let this organism proliferate.
The mostly deadly type is Vibrio vulnificus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As many as one in five of those infections are fatal, a much higher rate than other types of Vibrio bacteria.
Florida, which tends to have more infections than other states, has reported 14 Vibrio vulnificus cases and two deaths so far this year, compared with 33 cases and five deaths for all of last year. Records show more cases in years when Florida is hit by tropical storms and hurricanes.
Bacteria enters through breaks in the skin
Some people become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish — particularly oysters. But a large percentage fall ill when the person is in ocean or brackish water and the bacteria enter the body through small breaks in the skin.
Doctors say severe cases are seen more often in elderly patients, people with weakened immune systems, and those with liver disease, diabetes and certain chronic illnesses.
Scientists say climate change is helping the germs proliferate and spread northward. A 2023 study found that the northernmost case has been shifting by about 30 miles each year, and that cases overall have been rising.
Beachgoers can protect themselves
Vibrio vulnificus can enter the body through unhealed cuts and scrapes, recent piercings and tattoos, and recent surgical incisions. People should immediately wash cuts and scrapes thoroughly with soap and clean running water after coming in contact with coastal waters or raw seafood, the CDC said. They should see a doctor if they start to develop symptoms such as fever, chills, and hot red areas on the skin that start to turn dark and blister.
Oysters are a particular risk, and there is no way to tell if an oyster is contaminated just by looking at it. People should wash hands with soap and water after handing raw shellfish and wear protective gloves if they have a weakened immune system and are at a higher risk of infection.
Health officials also offer cooking instructions for clams, mussels and other shellfish. They recommend throwing away any with open shells before boiling or steaming.
Health officials in Louisiana are raising awareness about the dangers posed by a flesh-eating bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, which has seen a surge in infections during the summer months. The Louisiana health department reported nine confirmed cases this year, with all individuals hospitalized and five resulting in fatalities. Historically, the average number of cases in the same timeframe over the past decade was seven, with only one death.
Vibrio bacteria are prevalent in seawater, particularly in the brackish waters of estuaries and lagoons, making the Gulf Coast an ideal breeding ground due to its warm temperatures and salt content. The CDC notes that infections from Vibrio vulnificus are most common from May to October, especially in Gulf Coast states. This particular strain is notably lethal, with a fatality rate of about 20%, significantly higher than other Vibrio types.
Florida has also reported a concerning number of infections, with 14 cases and two deaths this year, compared to 33 cases and five deaths for the entirety of the previous year. The state’s infection rates tend to spike in years when tropical storms and hurricanes occur, likely due to environmental changes that favor bacterial growth.
Infection can occur through consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, or through exposure to ocean water where the bacteria can enter the body through minor cuts and abrasions. Vulnerable populations include the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, and individuals with chronic health conditions like liver disease and diabetes, as they are at a higher risk of severe illness.
Climate change has been identified as a contributing factor to the increasing prevalence of Vibrio infections, with studies indicating that the geographical range of these bacteria is shifting northward by approximately 30 miles each year. This trend raises concerns about the potential for infections in areas that were previously less affected.
To mitigate the risks associated with Vibrio vulnificus, health officials recommend that beachgoers take specific precautions. Individuals with open wounds, recent piercings, or surgical incisions should avoid contact with coastal waters. If exposed, they should wash any cuts or scrapes thoroughly with soap and clean water and seek medical attention if they notice symptoms such as fever, chills, or skin discoloration.
Oysters pose a significant risk for infection, and it is crucial to handle them safely. There is no reliable way to visually assess whether an oyster is contaminated, so proper hygiene is essential. The CDC advises washing hands thoroughly after handling raw shellfish and recommends wearing gloves for those at higher risk of infection.
Health authorities also provide guidelines for cooking shellfish to ensure safety. They emphasize discarding any shellfish with open shells before cooking, as this can indicate that they are no longer alive and may harbor harmful bacteria.
In summary, the increase in Vibrio vulnificus infections in Louisiana and Florida highlights the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures among beachgoers and seafood consumers. By following health officials’ recommendations, individuals can protect themselves from this potentially deadly bacteria while enjoying summer activities along the coast.
