(NewsNation) — Two people have died in Louisiana after contracting flesh-eating bacteria from raw oysters, and state officials warned of an increase in cases.
The oysters were infected with Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria found in coastal waters and peaking in May through October when temperatures are warmer. People can be sickened when eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters.
This year, 17 cases of Vibrio vulnificus have been reported in Louisiana, as of July 31, and four have died.
“During the same time period over the previous 10 years, an average of seven Vibrio vulnificus cases and one death have been reported each year in Louisiana,” the Louisiana Health Department said in a news release.
In addition to eating raw or undercooked shellfish, exposing an open wound to coastal waters can also put an individual at risk.
Symptoms of infection include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and chills.