Deadly bacteria lurks in Louisiana’s coastal waters, health officials warn

By: Piper Hutchinson

Outlets: Louisiana Illuminator

Published: August 6, 2026

Words: 308

Last Updated: 1 week, 5 days ago

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The Louisiana Department of Health is warning residents to take precautions against a potentially fatal bacteria found in warm coastal waters that has killed five people this year.

Vibrio vulnificus exists naturally along the Louisiana coast and has infected nine people this year, according to state health officials. The five vibrio-related deaths this year is a significant increase from the single fatality reported over the previous decade.

The health department said the cases …

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