The Louisiana Department of Health is urging caution after a fifth person has died from Vibrio vulnificus. Those five are among 26 Louisiana residents who have been infected by the bacteria that naturally live in coastal waters and are found in higher numbers in the warmer months of May through October. State Epidemiologist Theresa Sokol says it’s a very severe disease.
“Every person who had had one of these Vibrio infections in the Louisiana this year has required hospitalizations,” Sokol said.
Of the 26 cases, 24 have had an underlying medical condition. Sokol says there are certain medical conditions that increase the risk for infection and severe complications.
“Liver disease, cancer, diabetes HIV, falcemia, people who are immune suppressed, people who are taking medicine to reduce stomach acid levels, or have had recent stomach surgery,” Sokol said.
Sokol says if you have an open wound and it becomes exposed to coastal waters or raw or undercooked seafood, you will want to take action right away, since the bacteria can potentially kill within one to two days.
“Wash your wound very, very thoroughly with soap and clean water if they’ve been exposed to those coastal waters or raw seafood,” Sokol advised.
