00:00During a summer spike in infections caused by a flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal
00:04waters, Louisiana health officials are advising beachgoers to take precautions.
00:09The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that nine cases of potentially fatal
00:13Vibrio vulnificus infections have been confirmed in Louisiana this year.
00:18Five of the nine patients have passed away, according to a news release from the Louisiana
00:22Department of Health .
00:25Louisiana reported an average of seven cases and one death during the same time period
00:31over the preceding ten years.
00:33According to the LDH, all patients had underlying medical conditions, and all nine cases reported
00:39this year were linked to wounds exposed to seawater.
00:43According to the LDH, Vibrio bacteria are naturally found in warm coastal waters and are more prevalent
00:49from May through October when the water temperature is higher.
00:52Eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters, or exposing an open wound to brackish
00:58or salt water can lead to infection.
01:01According to the Department of Health, a Vibrio infection may cause blood poisoning, a bloodstream
01:07infection infections, or gastrointestinal disorders.
01:10According to the LDH, approximately one in five individuals with a Vibrio vulnificus infection
01:17pass away, sometimes within a day or two of getting sick.
01:20According to the Department of Health, anyone can contract a Vibrio infection, but those with
01:25liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, or thalassemia are most at risk for serious complications.
01:33Unhealed wounds and scrapes, recent piercings and tattoos, and recent surgical incisions are
01:39all potential entry points for Vibrio vulnificus.
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