Beachgoers warned after deadly 'flesh-eating' bacteria kills 5 in southern state

A potentially deadly “flesh-eating” bacteria has killed five people in Louisiana this year, a sharp rise from the state’s typical death toll.

Health officials are warning beachgoers to take extra precautions before heading into the water.

Vibrio vulnificus is part of a wider group of Vibrio bacteria. Found primarily in warm, coastal waters, it can cause serious, potentially life-threatening infections when contaminated seawater enters an open wound, according to the CDC.

If Vibrio vulnificus enters the bloodstream, it can cause advanced illness marked by fever, chills, septic shock and blistering skin lesions.

Some severe cases can cause an infection called necrotizing fasciitis, which is when the flesh around an open wound dies, the CDC cautions. This rare side effect has led to Vibrio vulnificus being described as “flesh-eating bacteria.”

The bacterial infection is diagnosed by testing cultures obtained from stool, wounds or blood, according to health officials.

For mild infections, the CDC recommends increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

Those with severe or prolonged infections should receive antibiotics to improve survival rates.

For patients with infected wounds, surgery may be necessary to remove dead tissue.

About one in five people will die from the infection, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill, the CDC states.

Health officials caution against entering warm saltwater or brackish water if any fresh cuts, scrapes or wounds are present.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

It’s also recommended to avoid consuming raw oysters and other raw shellfish, and to avoid cross-contamination of other foods with raw seafood or its juices.

Protective gloves should be worn when handling raw shellfish.

Those with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV or thalassemia (a group of hereditary blood disorders) — as well as those who are taking immune-suppressing medications — are at a higher risk of complications and should take extra precautions, the CDC warns.