Killer Oysters: Deadly Flesh-Eating Bacteria Spreads in Louisiana and Florida

Health officials are sounding the alarm after two more people died from eating raw oysters contaminated with a flesh-eating bacteria — pushing the death toll to 11 across Louisiana and Florida this year.

According to state health departments, both of the latest fatalities were traced back to oysters harvested in Louisiana waters but served at restaurants in Louisiana and Florida. The culprit: Vibrio vulnificus, a dangerous bacteria naturally found in warm, coastal waters.

“This bacteria is prolific right now,” warned Jennifer Armentor, administrator of the Louisiana Department of Health’s molluscan shellfish program. “One bad oyster can change everything.”

So far in 2025, Louisiana has reported 17 Vibrio vulnificus infections and six deaths, while Florida has confirmed five deaths linked to the same bacteria.

For perspective, Louisiana usually reports just seven cases a year and an average of one death, making this year’s outbreak exceptionally deadly.

“This isn’t something we typically see at this scale,” said Dr. Andrew Handel, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. “It’s rare, but when infections happen, they can turn life-threatening in hours.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that most people get sick by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters. In some cases, Vibrio can also infect people through open wounds exposed to seawater.

Symptoms often include:

• Severe vomiting and diarrhea
• Fever and chills
• Blistering skin lesions
• Septic shock in extreme cases

About one in five people die from Vibrio infections, sometimes within just 48 hours of falling ill.

Doctors say older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic liver disease are especially vulnerable. Even so, healthy people can become severely ill.

“If you’ve eaten raw oysters and suddenly feel sick, don’t wait it out,” Dr. Handel warned. “Seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment with antibiotics can save lives.”

The Louisiana Department of Health issued a public safety alert on July 31, urging residents and tourists alike to avoid raw oysters from unverified sources.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a Fox News medical contributor, reassured viewers that Vibrio infections are “not contagious” but urged caution nonetheless.

“If you do eat shellfish, make sure it’s cooked thoroughly,” Siegel said. “And if you’re going to swim, don’t go in the water with open wounds.”

• Avoid raw oysters and other undercooked shellfish.
• Check sourcing before buying or ordering seafood.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden gastrointestinal illness after eating shellfish.
• Stay out of warm coastal waters with open cuts or sores.

Health officials are investigating whether the spike in cases is tied to warmer Gulf Coast waters, which can cause bacteria levels to surge.

“This is a wake-up call,” Armentor warned. “We’re seeing cases at numbers we haven’t dealt with in a decade.”