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'Flesh-eating' bacteria cases are popping up along the Gulf Coast. What you need to know.
As temperatures continue to swelter and people flock to the Gulf Coast to enjoy its warm, salty waters, health officials are warning swimmers about a "flesh-eating" bacteria that has killed at least eight people this summer. The bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, is commonly associated with the "flesh-eating" moniker thanks to its ability to cause infections that damage or "eat away" at skin and tissue. This year, Louisiana is reporting an abnormally high rate of infection. "Amid increasing water temperatures and extreme weather events (e.g., heat waves, flooding, and severe storms), people who are at increased risk for V. vulnificus infection (those with weakened immune systems and conditions like liver disease, diabetes and kidney failure) ... should exercise caution when engaging in coastal water activities," said a Louisiana Department of Health warning issued July 30. Despite a recent uptick in cases, Vibrio vulnificus infections are still rare. Even so, experts have advised that people in coastal areas exercise extra caution while enjoying the waning days of summer. Here's what to know. Dangerous waters: What to know about the flesh-eating bacteria and brain-eating amoebas Where are flesh-eating bacteria cases in the US? How common is it? Louisiana has reported the highest number of Vibrio vulnificus infections in a decade, with 17 reported cases and hospitalizations, including four deaths, as of July 30. This is compared to the 10 years prior, which saw an average of only seven cases and one death during the same time period. Florida has likewise reported four deaths caused by Vibrio vulnificus infections as of July 24. The state has counted 13 total cases so far, a rate that isn't necessarily abnormal at this point in the year, according to Florida health data. An average of 150 to 200 cases are reported each year, with most of them in Gulf Coast states, according to CDC data. USA TODAY has reached out to health departments in other coastal states regarding possible cases. What is Vibrio vulnificus? Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that causes a serious infection called vibriosis. Different types of Vibrio bacteria cause different infections, with Vibrio vulnificus causing the "most serious forms of vibriosis," according to the Cleveland Clinic. The potentially fatal infection can quickly result in tissue damage and spreading blisters, low blood pressure, fever, organ damage, sepsis and death. Vibrio vulnificus is often referred to as "flesh-eating" because it can also cause necrotizing fasciitis, a bacterial infection that destroys muscle and skin tissue, causing flesh around wounds to die, according to the CDC. While it is possible, Vibrio vulnificus is not considered to be the most common cause of necrotizing fasciitis in the U.S. The bacteria and resulting infections are rare but can be life-threatening. Without treatment, death can occur in just a few days. How does 'flesh-eating' bacteria enter the body? Vibrio vulnificus requires salt water for survival and thrives in warm, brackish water where a stream or river meets seawater, according to the CDC. Most infections occur when contaminated water is swallowed or gets into an open wound, such as a cut or scrape. It can enter through broken skin but cannot penetrate unharmed skin. Vibrio vulnificus can also enter your body when you eat uncooked or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters. In fact, raw oysters and other seafood, along with seawater exposure, are the most common sources of Vibrio outbreaks tracked by the CDC. Once inside the body, it can spread quickly to the blood and organs, usually within a matter of hours. Symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection Symptoms of a Vibrio vulnificus infection begin suddenly and quickly, usually less than 24 hours after exposure, according to the CDC and Cleveland Clinic. Common symptoms include: Fever and chills A red, warm or swollen patch of skin or rash that spreads quickly and causes pain Fluid-filled blisters and skin discoloration Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea Low blood pressure (often indicated by weakness, dizziness, fatigue and fainting) Confusion or altered mental state Rapid heartbeat How to protect yourself against Vibrio vulnificus When consuming seafood, advises the CDC, you should: Cook seafood, including oysters, before consuming. Thoroughly clean surfaces that may have come in contact with raw seafood and its drippings. Thoroughly wash your hands after handling raw seafood. If you are at high risk, wear gloves. When swimming, you should: Avoid entering saltwater or brackish water if you have any open wounds. This includes recent surgical sites, fresh tattoos and piercings and even minor cuts or scrapes. Cover any open wounds if you may come into contact with coastal waters or raw seafood, even if you don't plan to be directly exposed to either. Exposure can also happen during flooding caused by storms. Immediately wash any area of open skin with soap and running water after contact with coastal water or raw seafood. If you are at increased risk (people with weakened immune systems and conditions like liver disease, diabetes and kidney failure), wear protective shoes and clothes when in or near coastal waters. Contributing: Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Flesh-eating' bacteria cases are on the rise in US. What to know. Solve the daily Crossword
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2 dead, 58 sickened in growing NYC Legionnaires' disease cluster
A Legionnaires' disease cluster in New York City has grown, with two deaths and more than 50 others sickened so far, officials said. The New York City Department of Health said in an update Aug. 4 that 58 people in Central Harlem have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease since July 25. Two people have died so far, NYC Health said. The agency previously announced on July 30 that 22 illnesses and one death had been reported at the time, and the source was believed to be a cooling tower in the area. Legionnaires' disease is a severe pneumonia caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella, which grows in warm water, according to the CDC. NYC Legionnaires' cluster: Multiple people sickened in Central Harlem Cooling towers in Legionnaires' cluster area have been remediated, officials say NYC Health previously said the likely source of the bacteria causing the Legionnaires' cluster is a cooling tower in the area. Cooling towers, which are water systems typically found on the top of buildings, spray mist that can contain the bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease, the agency said. After testing, 11 cooling towers in the area of the cluster had positive results for the Legionella bacteria. NYC Health said Aug. 4 that remediation of the 11 towers had been completed. Where is the NYC Legionnaires' cluster? According to NYC Health, the Legionnaires' disease cluster is affecting the following Central Harlem zip codes: 10027 10030 10035 10037 10039 "Anyone in these zip codes with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible," Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said in a release. "Legionnaires' disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older and those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions, should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin." The health department also said the cluster does not involve any building's plumbing system, meaning it is safe to drink water, bathe, shower, cook and use air conditioners. What is Legionnaires' disease? Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia caused by consuming water contaminated with Legionella bacteria, according to the CDC. Symptoms of the disease can take up to 14 days after exposure to show up and include: Cough Fever Headaches Muscle aches Shortness of breath Legionnaires' disease can be treated with antibiotics, and most healthy people who get infected usually get better. However, about 1 in 10 people who get Legionnaires' disease die from it, according to the CDC. How to stay safe from Legionnaires' disease To prevent Legionnaires' disease, which is a waterborne illness, clean pipes and devices that use water to remove germs and debris, according to the CDC. The CDC recommends flushing showerheads and faucets that haven't been used recently and regularly cleaning devices that use water. Owners of cooling towers, decorative fountains, and hot tubs should follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and maintenance, per the CDC. Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NYC Legionnaires' disease cluster grows: What to know Solve the daily Crossword
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Palvella Therapeutics to Participate in the Canaccord Genuity 45th Annual Growth Conference
WAYNE, Pa., Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (Nasdaq: PVLA) Palvella Therapeutics, Inc. (Palvella), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases for which there are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies, today announced that Wes Kaupinen, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Palvella, will participate in a fireside chat at the Canaccord Genuity 45th Annual Growth Conference on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. ET. A live webcast of the fireside chat will be available on the Events and Presentations section of Palvella's website at An archived replay of the webcast will be available for approximately 90 days following the presentation. About Palvella TherapeuticsFounded and led by rare disease drug development veterans, Palvella Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PVLA) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel therapies to treat patients suffering from serious, rare genetic skin diseases for which there are no FDA-approved therapies. Palvella is developing a broad pipeline of product candidates based on its patented QTORIN™ platform, with an initial focus on serious, rare genetic skin diseases, many of which are lifelong in nature. Palvella's lead product candidate, QTORIN™ 3.9% rapamycin anhydrous gel (QTORIN™ rapamycin), is currently being evaluated in the Phase 3 SELVA clinical trial in microcystic lymphatic malformations and the Phase 2 TOIVA clinical trial in cutaneous venous malformations. For more information, please visit or follow Palvella on LinkedIn or X (formerly known as Twitter). QTORIN™ rapamycin is for investigational use only and has not been approved or cleared by the FDA or by any other regulatory agency for any Information InvestorsWesley H. KaupinenFounder and CEO, Palvella MediaMarcy NanusManaging Partner, Trilon Advisors, LLCmnanus@
