Vibrio vulnificus cases rise on the Gulf Coast; LDH urges caution as the bacteria surge tests the public’s health safeguards.
Louisiana reports nine Vibrio vulnificus infections this year, with five fatalities. Florida records 14 cases and two deaths; widespread warnings say most infections occur May–October and often follow wound exposure to seawater or raw shellfish. Officials urge immediate medical care for wounds and avoid raw seafood, especially oysters.