Archive · 10 Aug 2026
5 Dead in Louisiana as Flesh-Eating Vibrio Bacteria Infections Surge
Tiny germs called Vibrio bacteria can make people very sick.
Some of these germs are called flesh-eating bacteria because they can damage skin.
This year, Louisiana had many more infections than in past years.
The Louisiana Department of Health counted nine cases.
Five people died from the infections.
In past years, Louisiana usually saw about seven cases and one death each year.
Every case this year happened when a wound was exposed to seawater.
All of the patients already had another health condition.
Health officials say this year's numbers are much higher than the usual average.
Five people have died in Louisiana this year from flesh-eating Vibrio bacteria infections.
The Louisiana Department of Health reported nine Vibrio cases this year, all linked to wounds exposed to seawater.
Officials said the number of infections and deaths is significantly higher than the state's average for the same period over the previous decade.
Louisiana typically records about seven cases and one death from Vibrio annually.
Every affected patient had an underlying health condition, according to state health officials.
- Who
- Residents of Louisiana, reported on by the Louisiana Department of Health
- What
- A surge of flesh-eating Vibrio bacteria infections, including five deaths
- When
- This year
- Where
- Louisiana
- Why
- Infections were associated with wounds exposed to seawater, and all affected patients had underlying health conditions
- Reported deaths
- 5
- Reported cases this year
- 9
- Usual average annual cases
- About 7
- Usual average annual deaths
- 1
- Infection route
- Wounds exposed to seawater
- Patient health status
- All affected patients had an underlying health condition
- Reporting agency
- Louisiana Department of Health