Flesh-Eating Bacteria Outbreak: 5 States Grapple with Deadly Vibrio Vulnificus Infections

Daily Health

16/12/2025

A dangerous bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, is causing concern across five U.S. states leading to dozens of cases and multiple fatalities. This salt loving microbe thrives in warm, brackish waters plus infects individuals who eat raw shellfish or who expose open wounds to contaminated seawater. Health officials urge caution as cases surge, particularly along the Gulf Coast.

Key Takeaways

Vibrio vulnificus infections are on the rise in Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Alabama besides Mississippi.
The bacteria cause severe soft tissue infections, bloodstream infections and gastrointestinal illness.
Individuals with open wounds or compromised immune systems face higher risk.
Prevention involves avoiding raw shellfish but also protecting open wounds from seawater.

Understanding Vibrio Vulnificus

Vibrio vulnificus is a rod shaped bacterium that requires salt to survive - it prefers warm coastal waters. It belongs to the larger Vibrio genus, which includes the bacteria that cause cholera. More than 200 Vibrio species exist - yet only a few pose major public health threats, mainly through foodborne illness and wound infection. Infections peak during warmer months as well as appear repeatedly in the southern United States.

Current Outbreak and Reported Cases

As of late July and early August, multiple states report a sharp rise in Vibrio vulnificus cases. Florida has logged 13 cases with four deaths, while Louisiana has confirmed 17 cases or four deaths, far above the usual yearly rate. North Carolina has recorded 59 cases including one death. Mississippi has seen fewer cases this year than last year and reports no deaths. Alabama has reported 25 cases with nine hospitalizations also no deaths.

Symptoms and Severity

Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection depend on how the bacteria enter the body. Wound exposure leads to high fever, intense pain, swelling next to redness at the site and the infection advances quickly. Skin infections may produce ulcers plus blisters - severe cases destroy tissue. Eating contaminated shellfish triggers severe vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever and chills. When the bacteria reach the bloodstream, they cause a rapid but also life-threatening illness marked by fever, chills, confusion, dangerously low blood pressure and blistering skin lesions. Bloodstream infections kill about half of those affected - older adults and immunocompromised individuals face the greatest danger.

Treatment as well as Prevention

Laboratory tests of blood, wound fluid or stool samples diagnose Vibrio vulnificus infections. Treatment starts with immediate antibiotics - in severe cases surgeons remove infected tissue or perform amputation. To stay safe do not swim in open water if you have cuts or scrapes. Do not eat raw or undercooked shellfish, especially if you have liver disease or a weakened immune system. Only eat shellfish from a reputable source that has not sat at room temperature for long periods.

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