US death toll from Vibrio vulnificus infections reaches double digits as cases rise in Florida and Louisiana
Health officials report at least ten deaths from Vibrio vulnificus this year, with 21 cases in Florida and 17 in Louisiana, and advise precautions such as avoiding raw shellfish and protecting wounds.
The United States has recorded ten deaths linked to Vibrio vulnificus infections so far this year, according to state health departments. Florida reported four fatalities among 21 confirmed cases, while Louisiana reported six deaths from 17 cases.
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that thrives in warm salt and brackish water. Infection can occur through open wounds exposed to contaminated water or, more commonly, by consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Health officials note that while healthy individuals may experience mild symptoms, the bacterium can cause severe, life-threatening illness in people with weakened immune systems or chronic liver disease. Symptoms may include fever, chills, low blood pressure and blistering skin lesions, and severe cases can require intensive care or amputation. Approximately 20% of infected patients die, sometimes within a few days of symptom onset.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises anyone with possible exposure and symptoms to seek medical care promptly, without waiting for specialist consultation or laboratory confirmation. Preventive measures include cooking shellfish thoroughly, avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked seafood, wearing gloves when handling raw shellfish, and keeping wounds away from warm coastal waters.
The Florida Department of Health emphasized the importance of taking precautions after storm events, when exposure risk may increase.