Aug 29 / Lisa

Louisiana’s Rising Threat: Flesh-Eating Bacteria in Raw Oysters

A serious health alert is surfacing in Louisiana: two deaths have been confirmed due to a flesh-eating bacterial infection—Vibrio vulnificus—linked to consuming raw oysters. The state’s health department recently shared that in addition to these fatalities, 22 people have contracted infections severe enough to require hospitalization. Unfortunately, four of those cases resulted in death—including two tied to the oysters, and two involving individuals exposed via open wounds in seawater.

What Is Vibrio vulnificus?

Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacterium in warm coastal waters. Infection can occur in two main ways:

  • Consuming contaminated raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters.

  • Exposure of open wounds to tainted seawater.



Once inside the body, it can lead to necrotizing fasciitis—a rapidly progressing, tissue-destroying infection that may necessitate limb amputation and carries a high fatality rate. The CDC estimates that about one in five infected persons dies.

Why Now? The Rising Risk

In recent years, Louisiana has seen a notable increase in Vibrio vulnificus cases. Whereas the state historically averages only seven infections and one death per year, this season has already surpassed that trend.

Several factors contribute:

  • Warming oceans are allowing the bacteria to thrive in more regions and for longer periods. CBS News

  • Florida recently confirmed 13 cases across 11 counties, with eight deaths, highlighting a broader, regional spike. Cases are also emerging farther north, from Massachusetts to Connecticut and New York.


What Readers Should Know

What Should You Do if You Bought These Tomatoes?

You don’t need to skip oysters entirely, but awareness is key. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  1. Know When Risk Is Highest.

    • The bacteria flourish between May and October, the warmer months—so be extra alert during this time. CBS News

  2. Beware of Raw Oysters.

    • Eating them raw or undercooked increases the risk of infection. Consider fully cooking shellfish instead.

  3. Protect Open Wounds.

    • Avoid exposing cuts, scrapes, or open skin to warm seawater—sea baths and shellfish cleaning may require extra caution.

  4. Recognize the Symptoms.

    • Early warning signs can include severe pain, swelling, fever, blisters, and skin discoloration at the exposure site. Prompt medical attention can be life-saving.

  5. For Vulnerable Individuals.

    • People with weakened immune systems, liver conditions, diabetes, or other chronic illnesses should steer clear of raw shellfish entirely.


The Bigger Picture

This outbreak serves as a stark reminder of how climate change and environmental shifts are impacting food safety. As ocean temperatures rise, bacteria like Vibrio vulnificus become more widespread, challenging both public health systems and consumer awareness.

Latest from our blog

Contact Us
admin@thefoodcourtdsg.com

  • Get in Touch
  • 5065 Deer Valley Rd, Ste 114 Antioch, California 94531
  • (925) 237-9095
    admin@thefoodcourtdsg.com