The state of Louisiana has recently seen an unusual increase in cases of vibriosis caused by Vibrio vulnificus, resulting in 26 confirmed cases, five of them resulting in death, with the most recent one being recorded on Sept. 17, 2025. It should also be noted that all cases resulted in hospitalization. Of the 26 cases, 85% were exposed to seawater and 92% reported having at least one underlying health condition. These numbers exceed Louisiana’s annual average, that being 10 cases and one death.
This year, Florida has confirmed 25 cases and five deaths while Alabama has recorded 30 cases. Mississippi has reported three cases and one death and Texas has reported five cases.
Vibriosis is a disease caused by over 20 species of Vibrio bacteria, including parahaemolyticus, alginolyticus and vulnificus. It should be noted that Vibrio cholerae causes the infectious disease cholera, not vibriosis.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), typical symptoms include fever, vomiting, nausea, cramping of the abdomen and diarrhea. Wound infections by V. vulnificus can be characterized by dead skin surrounding the open wound or area of infection. Symptoms of blood infection, also known as sepsis, include fever, chills, low blood pressure, skin lesions and septic shock. V. vulnificus also has a short incubation period, meaning onset of symptoms is relatively fast.
V. vulnificus is a water-borne bacteria, usually living in brackish coastal water and being more active during months with higher temperatures. They can also live in or on different kinds of seafood, especially shellfish. It is reported in Gulf states such as Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama and Florida. It is not typically transmitted from person to person.
Its main modes of transmission are through open wounds and ingestion of raw or undercooked seafood. Primary sites of infection are wounds, the bloodstream and the intestinal tract. Individuals with underlying health conditions, such as immunodeficiency or autoimmunity in the intestinal tract, are also more prone to infection than others. Most cases are linked to contact with seawater, while fewer cases are reported to have been from ingestion.
The bacteria will stay around the area of the wound, killing the tissue around it while it remains in the blood of the cavity. Once the bacteria enters the bloodstream, it will replicate, causing death of red blood cells and causing inflammation from the host’s immune response. If ingested, the bacteria will release toxins that can damage and inflame the intestinal organs, which is what causes vomiting, nausea, cramping and diarrhea.
The CDC suggests if someone suspects their wound is infected by V. vulnificus, treatment should begin immediately. Administration of antibiotics is highly recommended, especially doxycycline or a cephalosporin, both of which require a prescription by a health care provider. Dead skin tissue should be removed from the infection area. Intestinal infections are usually mild, but plentiful liquid consumption is also recommended.
Safety precautions to avoid vibriosis, and many other infectious illnesses, include cleaning and covering open wounds, especially when going into open waters, and properly cleaning and cooking raw meat of any kind. Infection by V. vulnificus can be life-threatening, so action against it should be immediate.
Given that coastal recreation and seafood consumption are prevalent in Louisiana, these precautions are essential for avoiding infection.
If someone is experiencing the aforementioned symptoms, they should contact a health care provider immediately.