Another case of Vibrio vulnificus has been reported in Florida, according to data from the Florida Department of Health, bringing the year’s total to six. That’s double the number counted by this time last year. The new case was in Marion County, the FDOH said.
Vibrio vulnificus infection is rare, but the effects can be horrific and deadly. Nicknamed the “flesh-eating bacteria,” it infects people through open wounds and can quickly destroy muscle and skin tissue to the point where rapid amputation may be necessary.
What is Vibrio vulnificus?
Vibrio vulnificus is a water-borne bacterium that lives in warm, brackish coastal waters, where fresh and salt water mix. It’s most often contracted from eating raw oysters, but anyone with an open wound in the water is at risk.
Some Vibrio vulnificus infections lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies. Without treatment, death can occur in just a few days.
People with compromised immune systems, liver disease, or open wounds are at higher risk for Vibrio vulnificus, the FDOH said.
There were 33 cases reported in Florida last year, and five deaths, a drop from 2024 (82 cases, 19 deaths) when Hurricane Helene brought widespread flooding.
Nationwide, vibriosis from Vibrio vulnificus and other Vibrio bacteria causes an estimated 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Where has Vibrio vulnificus been reported in Florida?
So far this year, the FDOH has reported cases in:
The FDOH’s Reportable Diseases Frequency Report does not indicate if anyone has died of the infection this year, and as of June 8, the FDOH’s Vibrio vulnificus page has not been updated with 2026 data.
What are the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus?
Common symptoms of Vibrio infection may include:
If you experience these symptoms after eating raw seafood or being exposed to floodwaters, seek medical attention immediately. Healthcare professionals can treat the infection with antibiotics, but in extreme cases, arms and legs may need to be amputated to remove dead or infected tissue.
“Many people with Vibrio vulnificus infection require intensive care or limb amputations,” the CDC said, “and about 1 in 5 people with this infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill.”
How can I avoid contracting Vibrio vulnificus?
Oysters harvested from warm Gulf and Atlantic waters can carry a risk of infection, especially in the months between May and October. Cooking kills the bacteria, so choose cooked oysters and other shellfish, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Avoid leaving seafood out at room temperatures where bacteria can multiply. Keep it hot, or chilled on ice.
Don’t go in warm coastal or brackish waters if you have an open wound, a recent surgery incision, or a healing tattoo, especially if you are in a high‑risk health group. Wear water shoes or gloves if you’ll be handling fish, shells, or equipment in such areas. If you get a cut in the water, get out quickly, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water, and bandage it.
If the wound becomes red, swollen, hot, painful, or starts oozing, seek medical care immediately and let the healthcare provider know where you were.
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida reports 6th case of ‘flesh-eating bacteria’ Vibrio vulnificus
Reporting by C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
