By Julia Musto

Copyright independent

A resident in Louisiana has died from an infection caused byVibrio vulnificus, a rare flesh-eating bacteria, contributing to a higher-than-usual number of cases in the state this year.

Louisiana has confirmed 26 Vibrio cases and five deaths this year, significantly exceeding its annual average of 10 cases and one death over the past decade.

The bacteria, naturally occurring in warm coastal waters, typically infect individuals through open wounds exposed to seawater or by consuming raw shellfish.

While healthy people usually experience mild symptoms, those with weakened immune systems face severe complications, including septic shock, amputation, or necrotizing fasciitis, with about one in five dying within days.

Health officials advise avoiding raw shellfish and keeping open wounds covered or out of brackish or salt water to prevent infection.