The Louisiana Department of Health is urging residents to take precautions to prevent infection from Vibrio vulnificus. The department is seeing a higher number of Vibrio vulnificus cases and deaths than are typically reported. 

So far in 2025, 17 cases of Vibrio vulnificus have been reported among Louisiana residents. All of these patients were hospitalized, and four of these illnesses resulted in death. During the same time period over the previous 10 years, an average of seven Vibrio vulnificus cases and one death have been reported each year in Louisiana.

By: Elise Plunk - July 31, 2025 Louisiana Illuminator

Bacterial infections from coastal waters and seafood are abnormally high in Louisiana so far this year, with 17 hospitalizations and four deaths so far, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. 

This is a jump up from the average of seven cases and one death over the same period in previous years. Of the 17 people hospitalized, 75% reported their open wounds were directly exposed to seawater.