Two more people die after contracting flesh-eating virus as officials issue warning over increasing cases

Two people have tragically died after contracting a deadly flesh-eating bacteria from eating raw oysters, as officials have issued a fresh warning.

The bacteria in question is known as Vibrio vulnificus and is found in warm coastal waters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

And now, as well as dozens who are infected, one Louisiana resident and one Florida resident have died after eating raw oysters which were contaminated with it.

The oysters were reportedly harvested in Louisiana but eaten at two separate restaurants in the different US states.

And health officials have since confirmed to WBRZ that the 2025 stats show an increase in both infections and fatalities.

The total number of deaths related to the bacteria in 2025 alone has now reached six, meanwhile, the number of people infected this year has jumped to 34 - a higher rate than any previous year over the last decade.

Two people have died after contracting a rare flesh-eating bacteria (Getty Stock Image)

Jennifer Armentor, the Louisiana Department of Health molluscan shellfish program administrator, told the publication that 14 new infections have also been identified.

The expert warned: "It’s just prolific right now."

Meanwhile, the Louisiana Health Department issued a statement back on 31 July warning residents to 'take precautions to prevent infection from Vibrio vulnificus'.

As per NBC News, the department added: "Many people with Vibrio vulnificus infection can become seriously ill and need intensive care or limb amputation. About one in five people with this infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill."

They also confirmed that the state of Louisiana, in particular, has experienced 'a higher number' of Vibrio vulnificus cases and deaths this year.

The CDC has outlined that people can get vibriosis after swallowing the bacteria, Vibrio, or getting it in a wound.

Both deaths and infections due to Vibrio vulnificus are on the rise in Louisiana (Getty Stock Image)

If you're swimming in warm coastal waters with an open wound, a recent tattoo or piercing, you're particularly at risk as you can become infected more easily.

However, most people get vibriosis by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.

This is because shellfish feed by filtering water, so Vibrio can concentrate inside them and make them contaminated.

Vibrio vulnificus gained the 'flesh-eating' nickname as some infections can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, which, according to the CDC, is 'a severe infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies'.

What are the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, some of the first symptoms that indicate a Vibrio vulnificus infection will appear fewer than 24 hours after you come in contact with the bacteria.

They include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Skin redness or rash that quickly becomes swollen and painful
• Fluid-filled blisters on your skin that are large, discoloured or painful
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness, fainting or weakness (signs of low blood pressure)
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Fast heart rate

Dr Andrew Handel, a paediatric infectious diseases specialist at Stony Brook Children's Hospital in New York, told Fox News that the best way to avoid infection is simply to avoid raw shellfish.

He said: "To prevent Vibrio food poisoning, avoid eating raw shellfish, especially if you are immunocompromised or have chronic liver disease. If you do eat shellfish, make sure it has not been sitting out for a long time and comes from a hygienic source."

Tyla has contacted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for comment.