Louisiana health officials warn beachgoers of flesh-eating bacteria risk
Louisiana health officials have issued a warning regarding a surge in Vibrio vulnificus infections, a flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters. The state has reported nine cases and five deaths this year, prompting calls for beachgoers to exercise caution.
Why it matters
The increase in infections highlights public health risks associated with climate-related changes in coastal water temperatures and conditions.
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BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Health officials in Louisiana are urging beachgoers to take precautions during a summertime surge in infections from a flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters.
Louisiana has confirmed nine cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections this year, the state’s health department said last week in a news release . All were hospitalized, and five died. During the same period over the previous decade, Louisiana reported an average of seven cases and one death.
“Seek medical care immediately if a wound exposed to brackish or salt water becomes red, swollen, painful, warm or discolored,” officials said in the release. “Tell the health care provider about the water exposure.”
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