Mississippi State Department of Health officials are urging caution on the Gulf Coast after three cases of a “flesh-eating” bacterium have been reported. Vibrio vulnificus, commonly referred to as a “flesh-eating” bacterium, causes illness when it enters an open wound in salt or brackish water – a mix of salt and fresh water. This time last year, according to the MSDH, there were 40 cases of Vibrio and five of the deadly Vibrio vulnificus bacteria compared to 29 Vibrio and three Vibrio vulnificus cases as of Aug. 12, 2026. If you develop a skin infection, tell your medical provider if your skin has come into contact with brackish or salt water, raw seafood, or raw seafood juices. Louisiana and Florida have been hit by Vibrio vulnificus as well.