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Time of India
18-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Health crisis in Florida? 'Dangerous' flesh-eating bacteria kills 4 as Vibrio vulnificus infections rise. Check symptoms
At least four people have died and seven others have been sickened in Florida amid a rise in cases of Vibrio vulnificus . It is a flesh-eating bacteria that thrive in saltwater and brackish water (a mix of salt and fresh water) and cause a condition called vibriosis, reports PEOPLE. The state's health department confirmed that a dangerous flesh-eating bacteria has claimed the lives of four people in Florida and a total of 11 infections have been reported in 2025. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Vibrio vulnificus in Florida According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, vibrio vulnificus is part of a wider group of Vibrio bacteria, which are found in coastal waters. It typically lives in warm, brackish seawater, and can enter open wounds when people are swimming. ALSO READ: Coldplay concert dates in US: A look at ticket prices at Camp Randall Stadium in Wisconsin to be held tomorrow The Florida health department noted another potential source of infection is raw shellfish, especially oysters. Although infections are rare, Vibrio vulnificus can cause an illness called vibriosis, often marked by vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, as well as potentially severe skin infections, the above source cautioned. Live Events According to CDC's website, signs and symptoms of a Vibrio skin infection include fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration and discharge. While healthy people generally experience only mild symptoms, those who are immunocompromised or have chronic liver disease can face serious health risks. In case the bacteria enters the bloodstream, it can cause septic shock, fever and painful skin blisters. Nearly 50% of such cases are fatal. The Florida Health Department reports that although these numbers are down from last year, 2024 saw a rise in vibriosis cases due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, which caused flooding and increased contact with contaminated water. In 2022, there was a similar spike after Hurricane Ian. ALSO READ: Stimulus payments worth $300 to $1,700 to hit bank accounts of Americans in days. Check eligibility and key dates 'Flesh eating bacteria': Diagnosis and Treatment Some severe cases can cause an infection called necrotizing fasciitis, which is when the flesh around an open wound dies, the CDC cautions. This rare side effect has led to Vibrio vulnificus being described as a 'flesh-eating bacteria.' No cases of person-to-person transmission have been reported, Florida Health stated. The bacterial infection is diagnosed by testing cultures obtained from stool, wounds or blood, according to health officials. For mild infections, the CDC recommends increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Surgery may be necessary to remove dead tissue if you are infected with wounds. '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. About one in five people will die from the infection, sometimes within a day or two of illness, the CDC states. ALSO READ: Did Chris Martin regret after exposing Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR chief's apparent 'affair' on Coldplay kiss cam? Videos emerge Prevention tips for 'flesh-eating bacteria' -Don't enter saltwater or brackish water if you have any fresh cuts, scrapes and wounds, warn health officials. -It's also recommended not to consume raw oysters and other raw shellfish, and to avoid cross-contamination of other foods with raw seafood or its juices. -Protective gloves should be worn when handling raw shellfish. -Those with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV or thalassemia (a group of hereditary blood disorders) — as well as those who are taking immune-suppressing medications — are at a higher risk of complications and should take extra precautions, the CDC warns.
Vancouver Sun
17-07-2025
- Health
- Vancouver Sun
Rare, flesh-eating bacteria kills 4 in Florida. What is Vibrio vulnificus?
Four people in Florida are dead after being infected with a rare, flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters. According to the latest data from state health officials , there have also been 11 non-fatal cases of Vibrio vulnificus reported in 2025. The deaths occurred in the Bay, Broward, Hillsborough and St. Johns counties, respectively. The data does not include how the people came into contact with the bacteria, but it can be transmitted when an open wound is exposed to infected seawater or by eating raw shellfish that has been infected. Florida health officials have warned anyone with fresh cuts or scrapes to avoid going into the water, saying 'water and wounds do not mix.' Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Here's what to know. Vibrio vulnificus is part of the Vibrio group of bacteria that can cause illness in humans, per Health Canada. Although the illness can be mild, it is 'more often severe with rapid progression requiring intensive care.' It often causes septicemia, an infection of the bloodstream, that can be fatal. Symptoms include fever, chills, skin lesions and low blood pressure, and can appear 12 to 72 hours after exposure. It can also cause skin infections if it comes into contact with an open wound, which can lead to skin breakdown and ulcers, according to Florida Health. If it is ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Vibrio vulnificus infections can be especially harmful for those with weakened immune systems, in particular, those with chronic liver disease, Florida Health says. Those who get infected with Vibrio vulnificus may even need limb amputation in order to recover. Infections are fatal 50 per cent of the time. It has been called 'flesh-eating' because some Vibrio vulnificus infections can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, described as a 'severe rapidly spreading bacterial infection that can cause death' by the Cleveland Clinic. It is when the flesh around the open wound dies, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains. Vibrio vulnificus lives in warm, brackish seawater, according to Florida Health. The CDC says that the bacteria is more likely to be found in high numbers in May through October, due to warmer water temperatures. There was a surge of Vibrio vulnificus-related deaths in Florida last year, with 19 fatalities reported. Florida Health noted that the 'unusual increase' was due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. In 2022, officials noted that there was another surge due to Hurricane Ian. The concentration of the bacteria can rise due to heavy rain or flooding, CNN reported when the cases increased last year. Outbreaks in Canada have been linked to eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, Health Canada said. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
National Post
17-07-2025
- Health
- National Post
Rare, flesh-eating bacteria kills 4 in Florida. What is Vibrio vulnificus?
Four people in Florida are dead after being infected with a rare, flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters. Article content According to the latest data from state health officials, there have also been 11 non-fatal cases of Vibrio vulnificus reported in 2025. The deaths occurred in the Bay, Broward, Hillsborough and St. Johns counties, respectively. The data does not include how the people came into contact with the bacteria, but it can be transmitted when an open wound is exposed to infected seawater or by eating raw shellfish that has been infected. Article content Article content Article content Article content Vibrio vulnificus is part of the Vibrio group of bacteria that can cause illness in humans, per Health Canada. Although the illness can be mild, it is 'more often severe with rapid progression requiring intensive care.' It often causes septicemia, an infection of the bloodstream, that can be fatal. Article content Symptoms include fever, chills, skin lesions and low blood pressure, and can appear 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Article content It can also cause skin infections if it comes into contact with an open wound, which can lead to skin breakdown and ulcers, according to Florida Health. If it is ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Article content Vibrio vulnificus infections can be especially harmful for those with weakened immune systems, in particular, those with chronic liver disease, Florida Health says. Those who get infected with Vibrio vulnificus may even need limb amputation in order to recover. Infections are fatal 50 per cent of the time. Article content Article content It has been called 'flesh-eating' because some Vibrio vulnificus infections can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, described as a 'severe rapidly spreading bacterial infection that can cause death' by the Cleveland Clinic. It is when the flesh around the open wound dies, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains. Article content Article content Where and when are people most likely to be infected with Vibrio vulnificus? Article content Vibrio vulnificus lives in warm, brackish seawater, according to Florida Health. The CDC says that the bacteria is more likely to be found in high numbers in May through October, due to warmer water temperatures. Article content There was a surge of Vibrio vulnificus-related deaths in Florida last year, with 19 fatalities reported. Florida Health noted that the 'unusual increase' was due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. In 2022, officials noted that there was another surge due to Hurricane Ian.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Health alert in Florida: 'Flesh-eating bacteria' kills 4; Vibrio vulnificus infections rise in coastal waters
Representative Image (AI-generated) 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You To Read in 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo 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.
New York Post
17-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Four people dead in Florida from flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters
Advertisement A type of flesh-eating bacteria has killed four people in Florida so far this year. The state's health department confirmed the deaths in a notice posted on the Florida Health website. A total of 11 people have contracted the bacteria in 2025, according to the same source. Vibrio vulnificus is part of a wider group of Vibrio bacteria, which are found in coastal waters, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states. Advertisement This specific bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, typically lives in warm, brackish seawater, and can enter open wounds when people are swimming. Another potential source of infection is raw shellfish, especially oysters, Florida Health noted. Although infections are rare, Vibrio vulnificus can cause an illness called vibriosis, often marked by vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, as well as potentially severe skin infections, the above source cautioned. 4 Vibrio vulnificus is part of a wider group of Vibrio bacteria, which are found in coastal waters. Love Employee – Advertisement Signs and symptoms of a Vibrio skin infection include fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration and discharge, per the CDC's website. While healthy people generally experience only mild symptoms, those who are immunocompromised or have chronic liver disease can face serious health risks. If Vibrio vulnificus enters the bloodstream, it can cause severe illness marked by fever, chills, septic shock and blistering skin lesions, according to Florida Health. About half of these bloodstream infections are fatal. Advertisement Some severe cases can cause an infection called necrotizing fasciitis, which is when the flesh around an open wound dies, the CDC cautions. This rare side effect has led to Vibrio vulnificus being described as a 'flesh-eating bacteria.' 4 A total of 11 people have contracted the bacteria in 2025. Linas T – No cases of person-to-person transmission have been reported, Florida Health stated. Diagnosis and treatment The bacterial infection is diagnosed by testing cultures obtained from stool, wounds or blood, according to health officials. For mild infections, the CDC recommends increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration. 4 This specific bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, typically lives in warm, brackish seawater and can enter open wounds when people are swimming. Love Employee – For those with infected wounds, surgery may be necessary to remove dead tissue. '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. Advertisement About one in five people will die from the infection, sometimes within a day or two of illness, the CDC states. Prevention tips Health officials caution against entering warm saltwater or brackish water if any fresh cuts, scrapes or wounds are present. 4 If Vibrio vulnificus enters the bloodstream, it can cause severe illness marked by fever, chills, septic shock and blistering skin lesions, according to Florida Health. NEJM It's also recommended not to consume raw oysters and other raw shellfish, and to avoid cross-contamination of other foods with raw seafood or its juices. Advertisement Protective gloves should be worn when handling raw shellfish. Those with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV or thalassemia (a group of hereditary blood disorders) — as well as those who are taking immune-suppressing medications — are at a higher risk of complications and should take extra precautions, the CDC warns. In 2024, a total of 82 cases of Vibrio vulnificus and 19 deaths were reported to Florida Health. There were 46 cases and 11 deaths in 2023.
