Flesh Eating Bacteria Death Confirmed – Gulf Coast Residents Warned

(KMDL-FM) Health officials from around the Gulf Coast, including the Louisiana Department of Health, are reminding boaters, bathers, swimmers, crabbers, and anyone who comes in contact with the brackish waters of the Gulf that you could be at risk. This is the time of year when bacteria levels are on the increase, and those microscopic creatures have proven to be fatal.

Flesh-Eating Bacteria Fatality Confirmed

doctor and nurses inside operating room

According to reports, a Palm Beach County, Florida man succumbed to complications from flesh-eating bacteria. It was the first fatality of the year but not the first case of Vibrio vulnificus reported in the state. So far, Florida has reported 11 cases of the disease this year.

The Louisiana Department of Health has not released details or confirmed any cases in the state, but we do know of cases that occurred in neighboring Mississippi. In that case, a Gulf Coast fisherman says he accidentally splashed some Gulf water on an open wound, and he was hospitalized two days later.

Beach Advisories Posted for Multiple Louisiana Beaches

a bird standing in water

Health officials say the bacteria population explodes in the waters of the Gulf during this time of year because of the brackish nature of the water and the warmer water temperatures. In order to protect swimmers, bathers, and fishermen from potentially dangerous waters, the Louisiana Department of Health conducts regular beach inspections.

READ MORE: Gulf Coast Fisherman in Louisiana Hospital - Flesh-Eating Bacteria

Currently, there are 12 beaches in the state that have advisories posted. Those beaches include Constance Beach, Fontainebleau State Park Beach, Grand Isle State Park Sites #1 and #2, Holly Beach Sites #1-#6, Lake Charles North Beach, and Little Florida Beach.

READ MORE: Fungal Super Bug Threatens Louisiana - 22 Other States

Of course, exposure to seawater isn't the only way you can contract the disease. Those who are immunocompromised should also avoid undercooked seafood or raw seafood. These precautions are in addition to avoiding contact with seawater in open wounds.