Overview
- Louisiana has reported 17 Vibrio vulnificus cases with four deaths in 2025, surpassing its decade average of seven cases and one death.
- Florida has confirmed 13 infections, including eight fatalities primarily tied to wound exposure, and North Carolina documented 59 cases with one death.
- The CDC recommends immediate administration of a third-generation cephalosporin plus doxycycline and prompt surgical evaluation for suspected cases to reduce fatality risk.
- Infections arise when open wounds contact warm salt or brackish water or through consumption of raw or undercooked seafood, with immunocompromised individuals facing the highest risk.
- State health departments urge people to cover or avoid exposing open wounds in coastal waters and to thoroughly cook seafood to prevent infection.