In Louisiana, two more people have died after eating oysters contaminated with the flesh-eating bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus. This brings the total number of deaths from the bacteria to six so far this year. With 14 more people infected, the total number of cases in the state has reached 34, marking the highest rate of infection in a decade. What Is Brain-Eating Bacteria/ Vibrio vulnificus? Vibrio vulnificus is the most dangerous type of this bacteria. It causes about 200 illnesses each year, and as many as one in five of those infections are fatal—a much higher rate than other types of Vibrio. Vibrio bacteria live naturally in coastal waters, and people can get infected in two main ways: Eating contaminated seafood The most common way to get sick is by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters. Oysters feed by filtering water, which can cause the Vibrio bacteria to build up inside them. Wounds in water The bacteria can enter the body through an open wound, such as a recent cut, scrape, piercing, or tattoo, when a person is in coastal water. What Has Caused The Increase In Vibrio Bacteria? Doctors and experts say that Vibrio vulnificus is becoming a yearly threat along the Gulf Coast and is now appearing further north along the Eastern Seaboard. Scientists believe that climate change is helping the bacteria spread as coastal waters get warmer. A recent study found that the northernmost cases are moving about 30 miles farther north each year. A 2023 review published in the Microbiology Insights journal explained that as our oceans get warmer, a rare but dangerous "flesh-eating" bacterium called Vibrio vulnificus is becoming more common. This bacterium is now moving along the U.S. East Coast. It can cause serious infections that lead to limb amputations or even death within a day or two. The bacteria can cause a severe infection called necrotizing fasciitis, which is when the flesh around an open wound starts to die. In July 2023, North Carolina reported three deaths from the infection after people with open wounds came into contact with coastal water. The state is now warning residents to be careful, especially during the warmer months. Vibrio vulnificus thrives in warm, salty water. It can be found in sea animals and is often linked to eating raw or uncooked seafood, particularly oysters. The infection is also easily transmitted through small cuts or scrapes when a person is in seawater. The symptoms of a Vibrio infection can be severe. In serious cases, a person may need multiple surgeries to remove dead or infected tissue, and sometimes even an amputation. These severe cases are most often seen in elderly people, those with weakened immune systems, or people with liver disease or diabetes. Are People With Certain Diseases More At Risk? The infection typically starts with a sudden fever and chills, followed by skin sores, usually on the legs or torso. In severe cases, it can lead to death very quickly. People with certain health conditions are at a much higher risk for serious infections, including those with: DiabetesLiver problemsKidney diseaseWeakened immune systemsThose 65 and olderThe most common ways people get infected are through wound infections or by the bacteria entering the bloodstream directly. How Can You Protect Yourself? According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, treating the infection requires antibiotics and sometimes aggressive surgery to remove dead tissue. In some cases, limb amputation is necessary. The best way to prevent the infection is to take a few simple steps: Do not eat raw or undercooked shellfish, like oysters.Avoid contact with warm seawater or brackish water if you have any open wounds.Wear protective clothing when handling raw shellfish.Cook shellfish thoroughly before eating it.