Two people have died and dozens more have been infected after eating raw oysters harvested in Louisiana that were contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous flesh-eating bacterium.

Officials confirmed that one victim was a Louisiana resident and the other a Florida resident. Both contracted the infection after consuming raw oysters linked to Louisiana waters.

According to state health officials, the deaths bring the total number of Vibrio-related fatalities in Louisiana this year to six. In addition, 14 new infections have recently been identified, raising the total number of confirmed cases in 2025 to 34.

“It’s just prolific right now,” said Jennifer Armentor, administrator of the Louisiana Department of Health’s molluscan shellfish program, during a meeting of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force held Tuesday at the New Orleans Lakefront Airport.

In response to the rising number of cases, the Louisiana Department of Health issued a statement on July 31, urging residents to take precautions to prevent infection from Vibrio vulnificus.

The bacterium is commonly found in warm coastal waters and can infect people through open wounds, including recent tattoos or piercings. However, most infections occur after eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, which can accumulate bacteria as they filter water.

In severe cases, Vibrio vulnificus can cause necrotizing fasciitis, a rapidly spreading infection that destroys surrounding tissue. While many people experience symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, some infections lead to amputation, and roughly one in five cases are fatal.

Source: Louisiana Department of Health statements via multiple news outlets (August 2025).