Louisiana Fishermen Warned After Flesh-eating Bacteria Kills Texas Man

Fishermen and boaters in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast are being advised to exercise extreme caution after reports of a deadly flesh-eating bacteria was found lurking in the waters.

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According to Medical Xpress, this flesh-eating bacteria, Vibrio, claimed the life of a  66-year-old Texas man. KHOU-TV reported that Randy Bunch was crabbing and finishing in Freeport when we stepped off the boat into shallow water to pick up a crab trap.

His daughter says he had a small, almost unnoticeable scape on his right foot from days before. Hours after stepping into the shallow water, Bunch started having pain and went to the emergency room.

They released him after not being able to identify a problem. However, he woke up disoriented, with a 104-degree fever. On his second visit to the hospital, doctors informed him he had contracted vibrio bacteria.

His daughter also recounted the blisters that "were taking over his whole body, spreading just like a fire." Bunch sadly passed away a week later.

Authorities Warn Of Flesh-eating Bacteria Outbreak

The CDC estimates 80,000 cases of vibrio every year, and they usually are caused by eating 'contaminated food'. In 2018, a woman died after eating raw oysters in Louisiana that were contaminated with the bacteria, according to USA Today.

So, while the most recent reports are off the Texas Gulf Coast, Louisiana is still at risk and should be aware of the threat.

Authorities have warned the public along the Gulf Coast that 'an outbreak' of vibrio bacteria has infected nearly a dozen people so far.

Officials are working to determine the source of the infection and prevent any additional cases or deaths.

The CDCD Says Symptoms Can Include:

• Fever and redness
• Pain
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Discoloration and discharge of fluid around the wound