{"id":34468,"date":"2026-08-09T11:52:53","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T06:52:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=34468"},"modified":"2026-08-09T11:52:53","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T06:52:53","slug":"5-dead-from-rare-flesh-eating-bacteria-in-louisiana","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=34468","title":{"rendered":"5 dead from rare flesh-eating bacteria in Louisiana"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" data-article-body=\"true\" data-body-type=\"bodyblocks\">\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Five people have died in Louisiana from\u00a0<a data-ylk=\"slk:flesh-eating bacteria;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/story\/news\/health\/2026\/07\/30\/flesh-eating-bacteria-death-2026\/91112464007\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">flesh-eating bacteria<\/a> infections so far in 2026, state health officials said on August 6.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">A total of nine cases of Vibrio vulnificus bacteria have been reported in 2026 in the state, the <a data-ylk=\"slk:Louisiana Department of Health;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/ldh.la.gov\/news\/vibrio-update-aug26\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Louisiana Department of Health<\/a> reported. All nine patients had underlying health conditions and were hospitalized after wounds had been exposed to seawater, officials said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Vibrio vulnificus is often called &#8220;flesh-eating bacteria&#8221; because an infection can eat away at flesh around a wound. Infections can occur when an open wound is exposed to salt water or brackish water, where rivers meet the ocean and fresh water mixes with salt water, according to the <a data-ylk=\"slk:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/vibrio\/about\/index.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Louisiana health officials warned residents to take precautions to prevent infections because the bacterium&#8217;s presence increases as coastal waters get warmer. Cases in Louisiana are higher than in past years, officials said. During the same period over the previous 10 years, Louisiana reported an annual average of seven cases and one death.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><a data-ylk=\"slk:Florida;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/story\/news\/health\/2026\/07\/30\/flesh-eating-bacteria-death-2026\/91112464007\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Florida<\/a> recently reported its second <a data-ylk=\"slk:Vibrio vulnificus infection death;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.floridatoday.com\/story\/news\/2026\/08\/06\/new-florida-vibrio-vulnificus-cases-reported-in-brevard-marion\/91194020007\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Vibrio vulnificus infection death<\/a> of the year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Helicopter crash: <\/strong><a data-ylk=\"slk:Chopper battling wildfire crashes in Utah with 2 on board;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/story\/news\/nation\/2026\/08\/08\/firefighting-helicopter-crashes-utah-widemouth-2-wildfire\/91225093007\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Chopper battling wildfire crashes in Utah with 2 on board<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">What is vibrio vulnificus, or &#8216;flesh-eating bacteria&#8217;?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that can cause a vibriosis infection, which in some cases can lead to <a data-ylk=\"slk:necrotizing fasciitis;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/group-a-strep\/about\/necrotizing-fasciitis.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">necrotizing fasciitis<\/a>, a fast-spreading bacterial infection of the tissue under the skin that appears to eat away at the body.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The potentially fatal infection can quickly result in tissue damage and spreading blisters, low blood pressure, fever, organ damage, sepsis and potentially death.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Many people with\u00a0vibriosis can get seriously ill and need intensive care or limb amputation. About 1 in 5 people with this infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill, the CDC says.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The bacteria are found in certain coastal waters and in higher concentration from May to October, when water temperatures are warmer, health officials say.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><strong>Swimming risks: <\/strong><a data-ylk=\"slk:Flesh-eating bacteria, brain-eating amoebas pose risks for swimmers;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/story\/graphics\/2026\/07\/17\/summer-swimming-risks-diseases\/90926803007\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Flesh-eating bacteria, brain-eating amoebas pose risks for swimmers<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Cases may also increase after tropical storms and hurricanes, as storm surge pushes seawater into freshwater environments. Infections can also happen from eating raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters, the CDC says.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Different types of vibrio bacteria cause different infections, with vibrio vulnificus causing the &#8220;most serious forms of vibriosis,&#8221; according to the\u00a0<a data-ylk=\"slk:Cleveland Clinic.;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/24884-vibrio-vulnificus\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Cleveland Clinic.<\/a> Another type of vibrio bacteria causes\u00a0<a data-ylk=\"slk:cholera;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/16636-cholera\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">cholera<\/a>, health officials say.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In Alabama, the <a data-ylk=\"slk:Mobile County Health Department;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/mchd.org\/news\/reportable-diseases\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Mobile County Health Department<\/a> has reported 10 cases of vibriosis this year. The <a data-ylk=\"slk:Mississippi Department of Health;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/msdh.ms.gov\/page\/14,0,345.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Mississippi Department of Health<\/a> reported two cases in 2026.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Beyond the Gulf Coast, <a data-ylk=\"slk:other states;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/han\/2023\/han00497.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">other states<\/a> that have reported evidence of Vibrio vulnificus in the past include <a data-ylk=\"slk:Connecticut;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.northcarolinahealthnews.org\/2026\/05\/23\/a-deadly-bacteria-is-creeping-up-the-atlantic-coast-how-worried-should-you-be\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Connecticut<\/a>, <a data-ylk=\"slk:Maryland;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/health.maryland.gov\/phpa\/OEHFP\/CHS\/pages\/vibrio.aspx\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Maryland<\/a>, <a data-ylk=\"slk:New Jersey;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.northjersey.com\/story\/news\/2026\/05\/26\/vibrio-bacteria-risk-nj-beaches\/90258168007\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">New Jersey<\/a>, <a data-ylk=\"slk:New York;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/health.stonybrookmedicine.edu\/flesh-eating-bacteria-early-symptoms-risks-warning-signs\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">New York<\/a> and <a data-ylk=\"slk:North Carolina;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.deq.nc.gov\/marine-fisheries\/shellfish-sanitation-and-swimming-advisories\/shellfish-growing-areas\/vibrio-vulnificus-fact-sheet\/download#:~:text=What%20is%20Vibrio%20vulnificus%3F,into%20contact%20with%20Vibrio%20vulnificus.\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">North Carolina<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">Symptoms of vibrio vulnificus\u00a0infection<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Symptoms of\u00a0a vibriosis can begin quickly, usually less than 24 hours after exposure, according to the CDC, the Cleveland Clinic and <a data-ylk=\"slk:Louisiana Department of Health;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/ldh.la.gov\/news\/vibrio-update-aug26\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Louisiana Department of Health<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Common symptoms include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\"\/>\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">A red, warm or swollen patch of skin or rash that spreads quickly and causes pain<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Fluid-filled blisters and skin discoloration<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Low blood pressure (often indicated by weakness, dizziness, fatigue and fainting)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Confusion or altered mental state<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\"\/><\/ul>\n<figure class=\"relative mb-4\">\n<div class=\"relative\"><img alt=\"Albert Allison contracted Vibrio vulnificus while fishing on a dock in East Naples, Florida, on Aug. 31, 2025. This shows the improvement after three antibiotics and wound treatment at NCH Baker Hospital on Sept. 8, 2025.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/lo\/mysterio\/api\/f37cacb08a4a39a82cfe9066e836ef82715e8923f049efc564baca7ed86e2ffb\/lightyear_networkapi\/resizefill_w960%3Bquality_80%3Bformat_webp\/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fusa_today_news_641%2F53538cac8a2fd778620de7d149c19d50\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"group absolute bottom-0 size-full\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"absolute bottom-3 right-3 rounded-full bg-primary p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-primary\/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"flex-none size-4 -scale-x-100 text-primary lg:size-6 [&amp;_path]:fill-current\"><default:path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M3.1 3.1V11h1.8V6.314l5.392 5.393 1.415-1.414L6.313 4.9H11V3.1zm17.8 17.8V13h-1.8v4.686l-5.393-5.393-1.415 1.414 5.393 5.393H13v1.8z\"\/><\/default:svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Modal Dialog\" aria-modal=\"true\" class=\"fixed bottom-0 left-0 right-0 top-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-primary hidden\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5\">\n<p><span class=\"[&amp;_p]:inline\">Albert Allison contracted Vibrio vulnificus while fishing on a dock in East Naples, Florida, on Aug. 31, 2025. This shows the improvement after three antibiotics and wound treatment at NCH Baker Hospital on Sept. 8, 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl\">How to protect yourself from &#8216;flesh-eating bacteria&#8217;<\/h2>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">When swimming, you should:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Avoid entering salt water or brackish water if you have any open wounds. That includes recent surgical sites, fresh tattoos and piercings, and even minor cuts or scrapes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Cover any open wounds with a waterproof bandage if you may come into contact with coastal waters or raw seafood, even if you don&#8217;t plan to be directly exposed to either. Exposure can also occur during flooding caused by storms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Immediately wash any area of open skin with soap and running water after contact with coastal water or raw seafood.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">If you are at increased risk (people with weakened immune systems and conditions like liver disease, diabetes and kidney failure), wear protective shoes and clothes when in or near coastal waters.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">When consuming seafood,\u00a0<a data-ylk=\"slk:the CDC advises;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/vibrio\/prevention\/index.html#cdc_prevention_pre-protect-wounds-from-coastal-waters\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">the CDC advises<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"mb-4\">\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Cook seafood, including oysters, before consuming.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Thoroughly clean surfaces that may have come in contact with raw seafood and its drippings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"ml-4 safari:ml-6 list-disc\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Thoroughly wash your hands after handling raw seafood. If you are at high risk, wear gloves.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><em>Contributing: C.A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida and Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><em>Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at \u00a0<\/em><a data-ylk=\"slk:mikegsnider;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.threads.net\/@mikegsnider\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><em>mikegsnider<\/em><\/a><em> \u00a0&amp; \u00a0<\/em><a data-ylk=\"slk:@mikegsnider.bsky.social;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/mikegsnider.bsky.social\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><em>@mikegsnider.bsky.social<\/em><\/a> <em>\u00a0&amp; \u00a0<\/em><a data-ylk=\"slk:@mikesnider;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MikeSnider\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><em>@mikesnider<\/em><\/a><em> &amp; msnider@usatoday.com.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\"><em>This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: <\/em><a data-ylk=\"slk:5 dead from rare flesh-eating bacteria in Louisiana;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas;\" data-yga=\"{&quot;yLinkElement&quot;:&quot;link&quot;,&quot;yLinkElementType&quot;:&quot;article_link&quot;}\" href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/story\/news\/health\/2026\/08\/08\/louisiana-flesh-eating-bacteria-outbreak\/91225306007\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\"><em>5 dead from rare flesh-eating bacteria in Louisiana<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Five people have died in Louisiana from\u00a0flesh-eating bacteria infections so far in 2026, state health officials said on August 6. A total of nine cases of Vibrio vulnificus bacteria have been reported in 2026 in the state, the Louisiana Department of Health reported. All nine patients had underlying health conditions and were hospitalized after wounds&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34469,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/lo\/mysterio\/api\/860cccc9fe135f5191793caa8474b856856b7af0127b129bbb307249d42740a7\/lightyear_networkapi\/resizefill_w1200%3Bquality_80%3Bformat_jpg\/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fusa_today_news_641%2F53538cac8a2fd778620de7d149c19d50","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34468","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-real-trending-viral-news"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34468","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=34468"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34468\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/34469"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=34468"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=34468"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=34468"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}