All articles tagged with #open wounds
Alabama health officials report 16 vibriosis cases linked to Vibrio bacteria along the Gulf Coast, with one death. Vibrio is naturally found in warm coastal waters, with higher risk from May through October, especially for people with open wounds who swim in salt or brackish water. To reduce risk, avoid coastal waters if you have open wounds or cover wounds with waterproof bandages when exposure is possible.
More than two dozen Vibrio vulnificus cases have been reported in Gulf Coast states this year, including 15 in Florida and 10 in Louisiana, with seven deaths. The bacteria thrive in warm coastal waters and can infect via open wounds or by eating raw seafood like oysters, with infections sometimes requiring intensive care or amputation. Prevention focuses on avoiding exposure of wounds to salt or brackish water, not consuming raw seafood, and practicing proper wound care.
Genevieve Gallagher, who nearly lost much of her leg to Vibrio vulnificus after swimming with a cut, warns others not to swim with open wounds (or shave the night before entering the water), since Vibrio infections can be deadly and Florida is seeing rising case numbers and fatalities.
Louisiana health officials report 9 Vibrio vulnificus infections in 2026, including 5 deaths; all patients had underlying conditions and were hospitalized after wounds were exposed to seawater, with risk rising as coastal waters warm. Precautions include avoiding open wounds in coastal waters, covering wounds, cooking seafood, and practicing good hygiene.