Flesh-eating bacteria kill 5 in Louisiana, health officials warn beachgoers as all cases are linked to seawater

Louisiana issues health alert amid outbreak of flesh-eating bacteria, warns beachgoers to be cautious. At least five people have been killed in Louisiana by deadly flesh-eating bacteria, prompting officials to issue an alert to beachgoers as the infection mostly occurs from exposure to seawater. Vibrio vulnificus is part of a wider group of Vibrio bacteria. Found primarily in warm, coastal waters, it can cause serious, potentially life-threatening infections when contaminated seawater enters an open wound, according to the CDC.Infections can also occur when someone eats raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters.The Louisiana Department of Health has reported nine cases and five deaths so far this year. All nine cases were linked to people entering seawater with open wounds, and all of the infected patients had existing medical conditions, officials said.What is the Louisiana Vibrio culnifucus outbreak?Vibrio bacteria are found in higher numbers from May to October, when water temperatures are warmer.Although infections are rare, Vibrio vulnificus can cause an illness called vibriosis, often marked by vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, as well as potentially severe skin i...