Flesh-Eating Bacteria Threat Hits Alabama Coast

Residents along the Gulf Coast are now being warned about a deadly, flesh-eating bacteria that's already claimed the lives of a few people.

According to a press release from the Louisiana Department of Health, just this year, there have already been 17 cases of Vibrio Vulnificus in which all patients were hospitalized, and 4 cases resulted in death.

The alarming thing is that these numbers are higher than recent case numbers in recent years.

Vibrio are bacteria that naturally live in warm coastal waters and are found in higher numbers between May and October, when water temperatures are warmer. Of the 17 cases in 2025, the press release from the Louisiana Department of Health says that 75% of them reported wound/seawater exposure.

The CDC says that common signs and symptoms of Vibrio infection are:

Watery diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Chills

The Louisiana Health Department says that certain medical conditions and treatments could increase the risk of infection. They include the following:

Having liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, or thalassemia,
Receiving immune-suppressing therapy for the treatment of a disease,
Taking medicine that decreases stomach acid levels, and
Having had recent stomach surgery.

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The Louisiana Health Department also gave a few precautions that can help keep you safe:

Stay out of brackish or salt water if you have a wound (including cuts and scrapes), or cover your wound with a waterproof bandage if there's a possibility it could come into contact with brackish or salt water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices.
Wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and water if they have been exposed to brackish or salt water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices.
If you develop a skin infection, tell your medical provider if your skin has come into contact with brackish or salt water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices.
Use caution when consuming raw or undercooked seafood, especially if you have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or have certain medical conditions like liver or stomach disorders.
Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw shellfish.
Avoid contaminating cooked seafood with raw seafood and their juices.

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