It's Vibrio Season Again

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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.

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Vibrio bacteria can cause illness when an open wound is exposed to coastal waters or when a person eats raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters. Vibrio infection can result in gastrointestinal illness, wound infection, or blood poisoning (bloodstream infection).

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If you have an open wound, stay out of saltwater or brackish water, if possible.
This includes wading at the beach.
Cover your wound with a waterproof bandage if it could come into contact with coastal waters or raw seafood, its drippings, or its juices.
This contact can happen during everyday activities, such as swimming, fishing, or walking on the beach.
It also could happen when a hurricane or storm surge causes flooding.
Immediately wash wounds and cuts thoroughly with soap and clean running water after contact with coastal waters or raw seafood, its drippings, or its juices.
if you are at increased risk for infection, wear clothes and shoes that protect you from cuts and scrapes when in coastal waters.

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Fishermen in saltwater should carry with them basic disinfectant (chlorine bleach mixed 1 part bleach to 4 parts fresh water or tincture of iodine or antibiotic ointment) and use if skin is punctured while handling fishing tackle, bait or fish. Wade fishermen who injure themselves, breaking the skin and exposing a wound to saltwater, need to take the same precautions.

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