At least nine people have died this year after contracting Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous flesh-eating bacteria that can hide in raw oysters. Health experts warn Americans to take extra caution this summer as cases surge unexpectedly.
The CDC says severe infections can cause necrotizing fasciitis, where flesh around a wound dies. Many patients become critically ill and may require amputation. About one in five infected people die.
Roughly 10% of cases come from eating contaminated oysters, but most result from swimming with open wounds. Warm brackish waters in southern states create an ideal breeding ground.
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Louisiana: 17 cases, 4 deaths
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Florida: 16 cases, 5 deaths
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Texas: 5 cases, no deaths
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Mississippi: 13 cases
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Alabama: 25 cases
Victims Remembered
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Basil Kennedy, 77, scraped his leg, bandaged it, then developed septic shock three days later.
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Alan Kidd, 78, went wade fishing with a small cut before falling fatally ill.
Symptoms & Warnings
Early signs include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Bloodstream infections can trigger low blood pressure, skin lesions, and blistering. Wounds that turn red, swollen, discolored, or discharge fluid need immediate medical attention.
Those with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, thalassemia, or weakened immune systems face higher risk. Coastal residents should remain alert, especially after hurricanes, when floodwaters increase the risk of exposure.
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