Health alert in Florida: 'Flesh-eating bacteria' kills 4; Vibrio vulnificus infections rise in coastal waters
A dangerous
flesh-eating bacteria
known as
Vibrio vulnificus
has killed four people in Florida so far this year, according to the state's health department. A total of 11 infections have been reported in 2025, news agency New York Post reported.
Vibrio vulnificus belongs to a group of Vibrio bacteria typically found in warm, coastal waters. According to the
US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), this bacteria can enter the body through open wounds when swimming or by consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters.
Although such infections are rare, they can cause vibriosis, an illness marked by vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. The infection can also lead to serious skin infections. Common symptoms include fever, redness, swelling, pain and skin discoloration.
While healthy individuals usually experience mild symptoms, those with weak immune systems or chronic liver conditions are at greater risk of severe illness. If the bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can cause septic shock, fever and painful skin blisters. Nearly 50% of such cases are fatal.
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In rare situation, the bacteria can cause
necrotizing fasciitis
, a severe condition where flesh around a wound begins to die. This leads to Vibrio vulnificus which in layman terms is often described as a "flesh-eating bacteria."
There is no evidence of the infection spreading from person to person, according to Florida Health.
The infection is diagnosed by testing samples from stool, wounds, or blood. For mild cases, drinking plenty of fluids is advised to prevent dehydration. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove dead tissue, and in extreme situations, amputation might be required.
'Aggressive attention should be given to the wound site; for patients with wound infections, amputation of the infected limb is sometimes necessary,' Florida Health stated.
According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 patients dies, sometimes within just 24 to 48 hours of falling ill.
Health officials advise the public to avoid swimming in warm, brackish waters with open cuts or wounds. It also recommends not to eat raw oysters or shellfish and to prevent cross-contamination of raw seafood with other foods. One must wear protective gloves while handling the raw shellfish.
CDC warns that people with conditions like liver disease, diabetes, cancer, HIV or those taking immune-suppressing medications are urged to take extra precautions.
In 2024, Florida reported 82 cases and 19 deaths related to Vibrio vulnificus. In 2023, there were 46 cases and 11 deaths.
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