Contaminated oysters spread fatal flesh-eating bacteria in two states
Two latest deaths were traced back to Louisiana-harvested oysters
Two people have died after eating oysters contaminated with flesh-eating bacteria, health officials confirmed, and others have been infected.
Both of the fatal cases were traced to Louisiana-harvested oysters that ended up on plates in restaurants in Louisiana and Florida.
The bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, has now been linked to six deaths in Louisiana and five deaths in Florida, according to the states' health departments.
The rising number of outbreaks prompted the Louisiana Department of Health to issue a statement July 31, urging residents to take precautions against vibriosis, the infection caused by Vibrio vulnificus.
Vibrio vulnificus is part of a wider group of Vibrio bacteria, which are found in coastal waters, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states.
Most people get vibriosis by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, according to the CDC. In some cases, it can also enter open wounds while people are swimming. (iStock)
Vibrio has the potential to cause severe infections, according to Dr. Andrew Handel, pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Stony Brook Children's Hospital in New York.
These include invasive soft tissue infections (sometimes called "necrotizing fasciitis" or "flesh-eating bacteria") and bloodstream infections.
Most people get vibriosis by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, according to the CDC.
In some cases, it can also enter open wounds while people are swimming.
People who have eaten contaminated shellfish will have severe vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration, health officials caution. (iStock)
Prior to this incident, health officials reported 17 cases of Vibrio vulnificus among Louisiana residents in 2025. All patients were hospitalized, and four of those illnesses resulted in death.
Over the previous 10 years, an average of seven Vibrio vulnificus cases and one death were reported each year in Louisiana.
"It’s just prolific right now," Jennifer Armentor, the molluscan shellfish program administrator at the Louisiana Department of Health, told the Louisiana Oyster Task Force Tuesday at the New Orleans Lakefront Airport.
Symptoms to watch for
Vibriosis symptoms depend on the type of infection, according to Handel.
"The symptoms of skin infections can progress quickly and become life-threatening in a short time," he previously told Fox News Digital. "Thankfully, those infections are rare."
"If you do eat shellfish, make sure it has not been sitting out for a long time and comes from a hygienic source."
People who have eaten contaminated shellfish will have severe vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration, the doctor warned.
While healthy people generally experience only mild symptoms, those who are immunocompromised or have chronic liver disease can face serious health risks.
A bacterial infection is diagnosed by testing cultures obtained from stool, wounds or blood. (iStock)
If Vibrio vulnificus enters the bloodstream, it can cause severe illness marked by fever, chills, septic shock and blistering skin lesions, according to Florida Health. About half of these bloodstream infections are fatal.
Some severe cases can cause necrotizing fasciitis, which is when the flesh around an open wound dies, the CDC cautions.
Diagnosis and treatment
The bacterial infection is diagnosed by testing cultures obtained from stool, wounds or blood, according to health officials.
For mild infections, the CDC recommends increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
About one in five people will die from a vibriosis infection, sometimes within a day or two of the illness. (iStock)
Those with severe or prolonged infections should receive antibiotics to improve survival rates. For people with infected wounds, surgery may be necessary to remove dead tissue.
About one in five people will die from the infection, sometimes within a day or two of the illness, the CDC states.
"To prevent Vibrio food poisoning, avoid eating raw shellfish, especially if you are immunocompromised or have chronic liver disease," Handel advised.
The doctor noted that Vibrio infections are rare and "should not be a major cause of alarm."
"If you do eat shellfish, make sure it has not been sitting out for a long time and comes from a hygienic source."
Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.
Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a range of story topics including food and drink, travel, and health.
How to Eat Oysters Safely: Important Tips to Protect Your Health
Oysters are a popular seafood enjoyed around the world for their unique taste and nutritional value. However, eating oysters improperly — especially raw oysters — can pose serious health risks. Health experts emphasize that following proper safety guidelines is essential to avoid foodborne illnesses.
Understand the Risks of Raw Oysters
Raw or undercooked oysters may contain harmful bacteria such as Vibrio, which naturally live in warm coastal waters. These bacteria are invisible, odorless, and cannot be detected by taste.
In some cases, infections can become severe and even life-threatening, particularly for people with weakened immune systems.
Choose Oysters from Reliable Sources
Buy oysters only from licensed and reputable suppliers
Avoid oysters harvested from unregulated or unknown waters
Check that oysters are properly refrigerated and stored
Restaurants and seafood markets should follow strict food safety regulations to reduce contamination risks.
Cook Oysters Thoroughly
Cooking is the most effective way to kill harmful bacteria. Health authorities recommend:
Boiling oysters until shells open and continuing to boil for at least 3–5 minutes
Steaming oysters for 4–9 minutes
Frying, baking, or grilling oysters until the flesh is firm and fully cooked
Avoid eating oysters that do not open during cooking.
Be Extra Careful if You Are High-Risk
The following groups should avoid raw oysters completely:
People with liver disease
Individuals with weakened immune systems
Pregnant women
Older adults
For these individuals, even a small amount of contaminated seafood can cause serious illness.
Practice Good Food Hygiene
Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling raw seafood
Keep raw oysters separate from other foods
Clean knives, cutting boards, and surfaces after use
Proper hygiene helps prevent cross-contamination.
Know the Warning Signs
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms such as:
Fever
Vomiting or diarrhea
Severe stomach pain
Skin wounds that become red, swollen, or painful after seawater exposure
Early treatment can be life-saving.
Conclusion
Oysters can be enjoyed safely when handled and prepared correctly. Choosing reliable sources, cooking oysters thoroughly, and understanding personal health risks are key steps to protecting yourself and your family.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
