NOW PLAYING
(NEXSTAR) – Beachgoers in several southern states have been warned to proceed with caution after several more deaths were reported in people who contracted vibriosis, an infection from a bacteria that can cause “flesh-eating” disease.
The culprit is Vibrio, a bacteria that occurs naturally in coastal waters. People most commonly get infected by eating shellfish, like oysters, but you can also be contract it by swimming with an open wound.
About 80,000 people get vibriosis every year, and in most cases it’s not life-threatening. However, some people catch a more dangerous species of the bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus.
Infection from Vibrio vulnificus can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a serious form of bacterial infection commonly referred to as “flesh-eating” disease. People who get this serious form of Vibrio infection may need intensive care or limb amputation. It progresses rapidly, and 1 in 5 people will die as soon as a day or two after infection.
Florida has confirmed two deaths related to Vibrio this season. Louisiana has reported five deaths so far.
How can you avoid catching Vibrio?
The peak season for Vibrio in coastal waters is between May and October, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, because that’s when water is warmest. It’s most common along the Gulf Coast, but has been confirmed in waters as far north as New York.
The bacteria thrive in salt water and brackish water (a mixture of salt and fresh water, like where rivers dump into the ocean).
There are two ways most people come into contact with Vibrio: eating raw or undercooked shellfish (like oysters) or by swimming in contaminated water with open wounds.
The wound doesn’t have to be large for the bacteria to enter your body. Even small cuts and scrapes, recent piercings or tattoos, or other unhealed incisions could be large enough for Vibrio to infect.
People should immediately wash cuts and scrapes thoroughly with soap and clean running water after coming in contact with coastal waters or raw seafood, the CDC says.
“This is not about panic,” Dr. Omer Awan, a University of Maryland School of Medicine professor, said in an interview with NewsNation. “It’s about taking the appropriate precautions. Just like we use sunscreen when we go to the beach to avoid the harmful sun rays, the same is true here. We would just put a waterproof band-aid on to protect yourself. That’s all you really need to do and you’re not going to get infected.”
When it comes to shellfish, oysters are the highest risk. There’s no way to tell if an oyster is contaminated by looking at it. People should wash hands with soap and water after handling raw shellfish and wear protective gloves if they have a weakened immune system and are at a higher risk of infection.
Health officials also offer cooking instructions for clams, mussels and other shellfish. They recommend throwing away any with open shells before boiling or steaming.
What are the Vibrio symptoms to watch for?
People infected with Vibrio may have diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills. If the infection spreads into the bloodstream, fever and chills are more common, as well as low blood pressure and skin lesions.
If Vibrio is infecting an open wound, you may also notice redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration and discharge from the injury.
If you have any of the above symptoms and recently have eaten seafood (especially oysters) or have an open wound that may have come into contact with coastal water, you should contact a doctor. Antibiotics can be used to treat severe cases, and surgery may be needed for an infected wound.
Anyone can get infected with Vibrio if exposed, the CDC explains, but being immunocompromised can make the infection more severe.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Add as preferred source on Google TagsCopyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Comments: Link copiedMore Healthcare News
See All
Healthcare Texas sterile fly facility set for spring opening by Sarah Davis 2 hours ago Healthcare / 2 hours ago 
