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Four individuals in Florida have succumbed to a type of bacteria that eats flesh this year.
The Florida Health department confirmed these fatalities in a recent posting on their website.
An additional 11 people have been infected by this bacteria in 2025, as reported by the same source.
Vibrio vulnificus, a member of the Vibrio bacteria group, is often found in coastal waters, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This specific bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, thrives in warm, brackish seawater and can enter the body through open wounds while swimming.
Raw shellfish, particularly oysters, can also be a potential source of infection, as highlighted by Florida Health.
While infections are rare, Vibrio vulnificus can lead to an illness known as vibriosis, which may include symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and severe skin infections.
Signs of a Vibrio skin infection can include fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, and discharge, according to the CDC.
Although healthy individuals typically experience mild symptoms, those with weakened immune systems or chronic liver disease are at a higher risk.
If Vibrio vulnificus enters the bloodstream, it can cause severe illness characterized by fever, chills, septic shock, and blistering skin lesions, leading to a high fatality rate.
Some severe cases may result in necrotizing fasciitis, a condition where the flesh around a wound dies, earning Vibrio vulnificus the nickname “flesh-eating bacteria.”
Person-to-person transmission of this bacterium has not been reported, according to Florida Health.
Diagnosis and treatment
The bacterial infection can be diagnosed through testing cultures from stool, wounds, or blood samples, as per health officials.
For mild infections, increasing fluid intake is recommended to prevent dehydration, while severe cases may require antibiotics to improve survival rates.
Surgery may be necessary to remove dead tissue in cases of infected wounds.
It is crucial to provide proper care to the wound site, with amputation of the infected limb sometimes being necessary, as stated by Florida Health.
About 20% of individuals infected with Vibrio vulnificus may die from the infection, often within a day or two of becoming ill, according to the CDC.
Prevention tips
Health officials advise against entering warm saltwater or brackish water with fresh cuts, scrapes, or wounds.
Avoiding consumption of raw oysters and other shellfish, as well as preventing cross-contamination of foods with raw seafood or its juices, is recommended.
Protective gloves should be worn when handling raw shellfish, especially for individuals with specific health conditions or those taking immune-suppressing medications.
In 2024, Florida Health reported a total of 82 cases of Vibrio vulnificus, resulting in 19 deaths, while 2023 saw 46 cases and 11 deaths.
