USA – Two people have died from a flesh-eating bacteria in US state of Louisiana after consuming contaminated raw oysters.

The deaths were confirmed during a meeting of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force, which reviewed recent data on illnesses linked to the consumption of oysters from the state.

One of the victims was a Louisiana resident, while the other was from out of state, according to a spokesperson.

Both deaths were caused by Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium naturally found in warm coastal waters, which is more prevalent during the warmer months from May to October.

Health officials explained that Vibrio bacteria can cause serious illness if an open wound comes into contact with coastal waters or if a person consumes raw or undercooked seafood.

In addition to the two deaths linked to oyster consumption, Louisiana’s Health Department reported two other fatalities this year attributed to the same bacteria.

The state has seen a notable rise in Vibrio vulnificus cases and deaths this year, with 22 reported hospitalizations so far. Over 80% of the cases involved open wounds exposed to seawater, according to officials.

Louisiana is not the only US state experiencing increased case numbers connected to the bacterium as Florida’s Health Department has also reported 23 Vibrio vulnificus cases this year, five of which resulted in death.