08-08-2025
Flesh-eating bacteria deaths are rising along the southeastern US coast
Deaths from Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacterium, are increasing along the southeastern US coast, with at least five fatalities reported in Florida, four in Louisiana, and one in North Carolina this year.
The bacteria thrive in warm seawater and can cause necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection, with a 20 percent fatality rate among those infected.
Health officials have recorded 16 cases in Florida, 17 in Louisiana, seven in North Carolina, and three in Mississippi this year.
Infections can occur through open wounds exposed to salty or brackish water, or by consuming contaminated raw seafood like oysters.
Experts note an unusual spike in cases early this summer, potentially linked to high plankton concentrations or the aftermath of hurricanes, which stir up bacteria in floodwaters.
