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Several Gulf coast Vibrio cases and deaths have been caused oysters and wound exposure. So far, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas have been impacted.
State and local health officials are monitoring the situation.
Here’s what we know about Gulf coast Vibrio cases so far!
Reports show at least 82 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus across 18 states have been reported in the United States so far this year. At least seven people have died of infections caused by Vibrio in Oysters across the Gulf coast. Ten across the United States this year. Most of these deaths have come from Florida and Louisiana and are related to wound exposure. However, several are associated with consuming raw oysters.
While the Gulf coast is a huge hot spot for this “flesh eating bacteria,” cases have been reported as far north as Massachusetts.
With Vibrio infections on the rise, it is concerning that we are only halfway through peak Vibrio season. An indication that experts suggest will mean that more cases and potential deaths are likely.
When is Vibrio season?
It is more common to become sick with Vibrio from oysters or by swimming in salt water between May and October.
We still have a way to go.
As of August 20, 2025, the 18 states with confirmed cases include (in ascending order from least number of cases to greatest number of cases):
Louisiana and Florida have been the hardest hit.
At least two people have died following infections caused by eating raw oysters in Louisiana. One was a Louisiana resident. The other was from out of state.
In addition to cases of Vibrio from oysters, health officials say that two other deaths were associated with contact with contaminated water.
Overall, at least 22 cases have been attributed to the bacterial infection. While more than 80% of these infections have been attributed to wound exposure, consuming raw oysters remains a huge threat to public health.
So much so, the Louisiana Department of Health has issued warning to residents. According to a July 31 Louisiana Department of Health press release, there is a higher number of Vibrio bases and deaths than are typically reported.
During this same time over the past 10 years, the state averages only seven cases and one death. Significantly higher than the 22 the state has experienced so far this year.
Florida has seen even more cases. So far, there have been 23 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus and five related deaths in the state.
Florida Department of Health reports that the five deaths were reported in Bay County, Broward County, Hillsborough County, and St. Johns County.
It is unclear how many of these Florida Gulf coast Vibrio cases were related to wound exposure versus those from raw oysters.
Texas has only reported five cases so far, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Reports indicate that Texas has only confirmed five Vibrio cases so far.
It is also unclear how many of these Texas Gulf coast Vibrio cases were related to wound exposure versus those from raw oysters.
Vibrio vulnificus, or more commonly referred to as Vibrio or flesh-eating bacteria is a potentially deadly, opportunistic bacteria, found in low-salinity waters. It can be found in certain areas of the ocean, but it is more commonly seen in brackish water.
Brackish water is where salt water and fresh water meet, creating a still salty, but low salinity cocktail.
People can become sick from Vibrio infections in two ways.
Wound exposure, and consuming food contaminated with the bacteria. There is no evidence to suggest that person-to-person transmission of Vibrio is common.
Vibrio vulnificus can thrive in warm sea water. When people with open wounds are exposed, the bacteria can enter their bloodstream and cause infection.
Never swim with open cuts, wounds, or even scratches. Especially during peak Vibrio season.
Contact with raw shellfish (processing, cooking, or handling it) can also cause wound infections.
Another common way people become sick with Vibrio infections is by consuming raw shellfish. Especially oysters.
Symptoms of food poisoning caused by Vibrio from oysters involve digestive and flu-like symptoms.
Common gastrointestinal symptoms include:
Wound infections are typically topical.
Common wound infection symptoms include:
Once Vibrio enters the bloodstream, it can become deadly.
Common symptoms of bloodstream Vibrio infections include
While it may be rare, Vibrio bacterial infections are very serious. What should you do if you become infected with Vibrio bacteria?
If you feel you have become sick from eating food contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus, or have an infected wound, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms progress rapidly and can go from bad to worse very quickly.
Notify your healthcare provider that you may have been infected with Vibrio to facilitate faster diagnosis and specialized treatment.
If you have become sick with a Vibrio infection, your local health department will likely interview you to help determine the cause of your illness.
Have you had contact with salt or brackish water? Have you come into contact with raw seafood.
What foods have you consumed in the weeks prior to becoming sick.
Make this list as early as you feel able to. The sooner you make the list, the more complete it will likely be. Your experience may point to a source of illness that impacts others.
If you became infected with Vibrio bacteria from eating contaminated or undercooked food, you may want to seek advice from a Vibrio lawyer. An experienced Vibrio lawyer can go over the details of your case to determine if you have a legal case.
Contact the Vibrio lawyers at The Lange Law Firm, PLLC at (833) 330-3663 or click here for a free consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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