Overview

• As of late July, Gulf Coast states have reported 32 Vibrio vulnificus infections and eight deaths this year, with Louisiana logging 17 cases and four fatalities, Florida 13 cases and four deaths, and single nonfatal cases in Alabama and Mississippi.
• Current figures exceed the decade-long average of seven cases and one death by more than fourfold, prompting health departments to issue urgent summer warnings.
• The bacteria thrives in warm coastal and brackish waters from May through October, with infections arising from open wounds exposed to seawater or consumption of raw or undercooked shellfish.
• Individuals with liver disease, cancer, diabetes or weakened immune systems face heightened risk of severe Vibrio infections, which carry a roughly 20% fatality rate.
• Officials advise avoiding saltwater exposure with open wounds, thoroughly cleaning any cuts exposed to ocean water and handling raw seafood with caution to reduce infection risk.