Louisiana health officials warn beachgoers of flesh-eating bacteria risk

August 9, 2026 - 21:59

Health officials in Louisiana are warning residents and visitors to be cautious at the beach this summer, as reports of infections from Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria, have increased along the Gulf Coast. The bacteria naturally thrive in warm brackish and saltwater, and the recent spike in cases is tied to higher water temperatures and coastal flooding.

State health authorities are advising people with open cuts, scrapes, or fresh tattoos to avoid entering the water entirely. For those who do go in, officials recommend washing any wounds thoroughly with soap and clean water immediately after exposure. Swallowing the bacteria can also cause severe illness, so avoiding water entering the mouth is key.

Most healthy people who come into contact with Vibrio vulnificus experience only mild symptoms, but for individuals with weakened immune systems, chronic liver disease, or diabetes, the infection can escalate quickly. Symptoms include redness, swelling, intense pain, and fever, often within 24 hours of exposure. In severe cases, the infection can lead to tissue death, amputation, or even death if not treated promptly.

Officials stress that the risk is not limited to swimmers. People who handle raw seafood, especially crabs and oysters, should wear gloves and wash their hands thoroughly. Eating raw or undercooked oysters from the Gulf is another common route of infection.

The warning comes as several other Gulf states have issued similar alerts. While the bacteria are naturally present in warm waters, the recent heat wave has made conditions more favorable for their growth. Health leaders urge anyone who develops a skin infection after being in saltwater to seek medical care immediately, as early antibiotic treatment is critical. They also remind beachgoers that the water is not closed, but caution is essential.