Deadly flesh-eating bacteria in Florida waters: Vibrio cases decline; danger persists
CBS Miami reports the number is down from 2024, when infections peaked with 82 cases and 19 deaths. Health officials linked that spike to Hurricane Helene.
Since 2016, Florida has recorded 448 cases and 100 deaths tied to the bacteria.
The 2025 deaths have been reported in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, and St. Johns counties. Additional cases have also been confirmed in Duval, Escambia, Lee, Manatee, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties, as well as a second case in St. Johns.
Vibrio vulnificus infections are uncommon, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 80,000 Vibrio cases and 100 related deaths occur each year in the United States.
The bacterium poses a heightened risk to individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions.
Here are some key facts about Vibrio vulnificus, according to the CDC:
How infection happens
Eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oystersExposing open wounds to warm salt or brackish waterNo evidence of person-to-person transmission
How it is diagnosed
Through stool, wound, or blood culturesLabs should be notified in advance to use the correct growth mediumPhysicians should suspect Vibrio in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms or wound infections following seafood consumption or seawater exposure
Symptoms
Watery diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal painSkin infections from wounds exposed to seawaterIn severe cases: skin breakdown, ulcers, and bloodstream infections
What illnesses it can cause
Gastrointestinal illness: vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal painWound infections: can lead to ulcers, tissue damage, and, in severe cases, amputationBloodstream infections: potentially fatal, with symptoms such as fever, chills, low blood pressure, and blistering skin lesionsPeople with weakened immune systems or chronic liver disease are at much higher risk
How to reduce your risk
Avoid raw oysters and shellfish; always cook seafood thoroughlyPrevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked seafoodKeep open wounds away from warm salt or brackish waterWear gloves when handling raw shellfish or seafoodRefrigerate leftovers promptly and safely
How it is treated
Immediate antibiotic treatment is criticalWound care is essential; in severe cases, amputation may be necessary
For more information, visit the CDC's Vibrio page.
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