Vibrio Vulnificus Has Killed Five Louisiana Residents This Summer

(KMDL-FM) We are all aware that things are swimming in the waters in Louisiana and along Louisiana's coastline that can kill you. Most of those creatures we can see; one of the most deadly this summer is one we can't see with the naked eye.

The scientists call it Vibrio vulnificus; you and I might refer to it as flesh-eating bacteria. It's real, it's here, and it's proven to be deadly in Louisiana.

man sight on white microscope — Photo by Lucas Vasques on Unsplash

The latest report from the Louisiana Department of Health suggests that nine Louisiana residents have been infected with the bacteria. All nine of those individuals were hospitalized or are currently hospitalized. Of the nine cases of Vibrio vulnificus reported in Louisiana, five have resulted in fatalities.

Every Flesh-Eating Bacteria Case in Louisiana Has This In Common

All nine cases, according to information from the LDH, involved contact with seawater and an open wound. All of the individuals also had underlying health conditions, which is an important fact to consider. Those with weakened immune systems or compromised immune systems should really be cognizant of beach conditions and beach advisories before entering or coming in contact with seawater.

Louisiana averages about seven cases of Vibrio vulnificus every summer. The bacteria thrive in the brackish waters that can be found along Louisiana's coastline. The water temperature of the summer months creates an environment for the bacteria to thrive. This is why we generally only see infections such as this during the summer months.

When is 'Flesh-Eating Bacteria Season' in Louisiana?

According to the CDC, the Centers for Disease Control, most infections occur between the months of May and October; again, this is in conjunction with warmer ocean waters along the coast. Reports of flesh-eating bacteria in water samples have been reported as far north as New York's Long Island.

The Louisiana Beach Monitoring Program via the Louisiana Department of Health has advisories posted for 10 beaches of the two dozen or so beaches that are monitored. Beach advisories are posted for Constance Beach, Cypremort Point State Park Beach, Fontainbleu State Park Beach, Holly Beach Sites #1-#5, Lake Charles North Beach, and Little Florida Beach.

Remember, just because a beach doesn't have an advisory doesn't mean you should enter the water, especially if you have issues with your health or if you have any open cuts, wounds, scratches, or other means for the bacteria to enter your body. It's much better to be safe than sorry.