Overview

• By early August 2025, Gulf Coast states have recorded 32 Vibrio vulnificus infections and eight deaths this year, surpassing historical averages
• Florida has reported 13 infections and four deaths while Louisiana has logged 17 infections and an equal number of fatalities
• Mississippi and Alabama have each documented one case without any reported deaths so far this season
• Seventy-five percent of infections stem from open wounds exposed to warm seawater and bloodstream cases carry a roughly 20% mortality rate
• Officials advise people with open wounds to avoid seawater exposure, to use protective coverings and to thoroughly cook all seafood to prevent new infections