Overview

• Louisiana reported the two oyster-linked deaths this week at a Louisiana Oyster Task Force meeting, with oysters harvested in-state and served at restaurants in Louisiana and Florida.
• The state says 2025 infections are running higher than usual, including 22 hospitalizations among residents, compared with an average of seven cases and one death per year over the past decade.
• More than 80% of Louisiana cases involve open wounds exposed to seawater, though infections also follow eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters.
• Florida has reported 23 Vibrio vulnificus cases and five deaths this year, as states track increases and conduct harvest tracebacks and public advisories.
• The CDC estimates about one in five patients die and advises people with liver disease, diabetes, cancer or weakened immunity to avoid raw oysters and keep wounds out of brackish or salt water.