Louisiana health officials are warning residents and beachgoers to take precautions after nine people in the state were infected with Vibrio vulnificus this year, with five of those patients dying. The bacterium occurs naturally in warm coastal waters and can cause severe wound infections after entering the body through cuts or other open wounds.
The warning comes during the summer months, when warmer coastal water can support higher levels of Vibrio bacteria. Health officials are advising people with open wounds to stay out of coastal water and urging caution when handling or eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.
