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This message is from the Louisiana Department of Health Emergency Operations Center (LDH EOC)  regarding 

Severe Vibrio vulnificus Infections in the United States Associated with Warming Coastal Waters Notice from the CDC, modified to include Louisiana-specific information.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory to:

are bacteria that cause an estimated 80,000 illnesses each year in the United States. About a dozen species of 

 causes the most infections in the United States, accounting for about 40% of reported cases of vibriosis, followed by 

 , which accounts for about 20%. Most people with 

 infection have diarrhea. Some people might also have stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. One species,

 , is known to cause life-threatening infections. About 150–200 

 infections are reported to CDC each year and about one in five people with this infection die—sometimes within 1–2 days of becoming ill.

naturally live in coastal waters, including salt water and brackish water, which is a mixture of salt water and fresh water. Most people get infected with 

 by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters. Some people get infected when an open wound is exposed to salt water or brackish water containing 

[1]. People can also get infected if an open wound comes in contact with raw or undercooked seafood. Open wounds include those from a recent surgery, piercing, tattoo, and other cuts or scrapes—including those acquired during aquatic activity. Extreme weather events, such as coastal floods, hurricanes, and storm surges, can force coastal waters into inland areas, putting people that are exposed to these waters—especially evacuees who are older or have underlying health conditions—at increased risk for 

wound infections. This effect was observed in Florida after Hurricane Ian in 2022 [2].

 is primarily transmitted through open-wound contact with salt water or brackish water, but occasionally (in approximately 10% of cases) the bacteria also can infect people if they eat raw or undercooked shellfish. Person-to-person transmission has not been reported. People at higher risk for wound infection include those with underlying health conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, and immunocompromising conditions [3]. 

wound infections have a short incubation period and are characterized by necrotizing skin and soft tissue infection

 , with or without hemorrhagic bullae. Many people with 

 wound infection require intensive care or surgical tissue removal.

bacteria thrive in warmer waters—especially during the summer months (May to October) and in low-salt marine environments like estuaries

infections have been most commonly reported by Gulf Coast states. However, 

 infections in the Eastern United States increased eightfold from 1988–2018, and the northern geographic range of infections has increased 48 km per year [4]. During July–August 2023, the United States has experienced above-average coastal sea surface temperatures and widespread heat waves [5]. During the same period, several East Coast states, including 

 infections. Many of these infections were acquired after an open wound was exposed to coastal waters in those states. Some of these infections were associated with consumption of raw or undercooked seafood or had unclear etiology.

At this time, Louisiana has not seen an increase in reported cases of 

 have been reported year-to-date during 2023 in Louisiana. An average of 13 cases were reported each year during the previous 5 years.

Amid increasing water temperatures and extreme weather events (e.g., heat waves, flooding, and severe storms) associated with climate change [6], 

 infection should exercise caution when engaging in coastal water activities 

Prompt treatment is crucial to reduce mortality from severe 

Recommendations for Healthcare Professionals

This guidance pertains to managing severe 

Taking the following steps can help keep you safe:

Learn more about how you can help protect yourself from 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.