Flesh-eating bacteria has killed 5 in Louisiana this year, officials say

Louisiana state health officials reported that flesh-eating bacteria found in warm coastal waters have caused at least five deaths this year. Out of nine residents infected with the bacteria in 2026, five died as a result of the infection. These figures reflect a steady increase in both the infection rate and the severity of the cases reported within the state, highlighting the ongoing danger posed by these specific bacteria in coastal environments.