5 dead, 4 hospitalized in Louisiana from flesh-eating bacteria outbreak: health officials

August 9, 2026 - 03:13

Louisiana health officials are reporting a serious outbreak of a flesh-eating bacteria that has now claimed five lives and sent four more people to the hospital. The state's Department of Health confirmed the cases on Wednesday, noting that all of the infections are linked to a specific strain of bacteria that thrives in warm, brackish waters.

The victims reportedly contracted the infection after coming into contact with contaminated water, likely through open wounds or cuts. Officials have not released the names of those who died, but they have urged residents to exercise extreme caution when swimming, fishing, or wading in coastal areas and estuaries. The bacteria, often referred to as Vibrio, can cause severe skin breakdown and tissue death, leading to rapid and dangerous infections if not treated immediately.

Health experts are reminding the public that anyone with a compromised immune system, liver disease, or an open wound is at higher risk. They are advising people to wear protective clothing and to avoid exposing any cuts or scrapes to warm seawater. The four individuals currently hospitalized are said to be in stable condition, though their recovery may be lengthy.

Local authorities are working to trace the exact source of the outbreak and are monitoring water quality in the affected regions. This is the deadliest Vibrio outbreak the state has seen in recent years, and officials are stressing the importance of seeking medical care at the first sign of redness, swelling, or fever after water exposure.