Louisiana health officials have urged residents to take precautions against a ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria that has left at least five deaths this year.
The Louisiana Department of Health on Thursday issued a warning about the infection, known as Vibrio vulnificusin a press release.
The department reported that nine people have been infected this year and five have died. By comparison, Louisiana has recorded an average of seven cases and one death annually over the past decade.
All cases reported this year were related to wounds exposed to seawaterand all patients had underlying health conditions, the department added.
Vibrio bacteria naturally inhabit coastal waters and are most common in the summer, when water temperatures rise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
People can get the infection by consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, or when an open wound comes into contact with coastal waters, according to the CDC.
About one in five people with an infection Vibrio vulnificus dies, the agency explained.
While anyone can become infected, the Louisiana Department of Health said those most at risk are people with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV or thalassemia. Those receiving immunosuppressive treatments, those taking medications that reduce stomach acidity, and those who have recently had stomach surgery.
According to the CDC, symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
The department urged residents to seek medical attention immediately if a wound exposed to brackish or salt water becomes red, swollen, painful, warm or changes color, and to inform their medical provider about the water exposure.
Louisiana saw a similar increase in Vibrio infections last year, with at least 17 cases reported in the state. About 10 people in Florida, Louisiana and North Carolina’s Outer Banks died from the infection last year, according to health officials.
