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Florida state health officials have reported eight deaths caused by a “flesh-eating” bacterial infection.
Local outlets have confirmed 13 cases of Vibrio vulnificus across 11 Florida counties.
Last year, the state recorded 82 cases and 19 deaths.
Louisiana has also seen a higher-than-average case count, with 17 infections and four deaths reported so far in 2025.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows that the U.S. typically experiences 150 to 200 infections per year, with most cases concentrated in the Gulf Coast states.
Eight deaths have been reported in Florida due to a “flesh-eating” bacterial infection, according to state health officials. (iStock)
Understanding Vibrio vulnificus
Vibrio vulnificus is a type of Vibrio bacteria commonly found in coastal waters, as stated by the CDC.
This specific bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, can enter open wounds when individuals swim in infected waters.
Dr. Nathan Goodyear, an integrative medicine physician at the Williams Cancer Institute in California, explained that warmer waters create an ideal environment for Vibrio growth.
Plankton blooms, which harbor Vibrio bacteria, are linked to increased cases. Natural disasters like flooding and hurricanes can also aid in spreading the flesh-eating bacteria.
Vibrio vulnificus is a type of Vibrio bacteria commonly found in coastal waters. (iStock)
Dr. Andrew Handel, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital in New York, highlighted the severe infections that Vibrio can cause, including soft tissue infections and bloodstream infections.
“People with skin infections often experience high fevers, intense pain, swelling, and redness at the infection site.”
Individuals at highest risk are older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic liver disease, Handel warned.
Consuming contaminated shellfish, particularly raw oysters, can lead to severe gastroenteritis.
Symptoms to be aware of
Symptoms of Vibrio infections vary depending on the type of infection, according to Handel.
Individuals with skin infections may develop high fevers, intense pain, swelling, and redness at the infection site.
Handel emphasized that skin infections can progress rapidly and become life-threatening, although they are rare.
Individuals who consume contaminated shellfish may experience severe vomiting and diarrhea, potentially leading to dehydration.
Vibrio vulnificus typically thrives in warm, brackish seawater and can enter open wounds during swimming. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
While healthy individuals usually experience mild symptoms, those with compromised immune systems or chronic liver disease face greater health risks.
If Vibrio vulnificus enters the bloodstream, it can result in severe illness characterized by fever, chills, septic shock, and blistering skin lesions.
About half of these bloodstream infections prove to be fatal.
In rare cases, Vibrio infections can lead to necrotizing fasciitis, a condition where the flesh surrounding an open wound dies, earning Vibrio vulnificus the nickname “flesh-eating bacteria,” as per the CDC.
Diagnosis and treatment
Health officials diagnose the bacterial infection by testing cultures from stool, wounds, or blood samples.
“People with skin infections often experience high fevers, intense pain, swelling, and redness at the infection site, typically following exposure to contaminated water,” a doctor informed Fox News Digital. (iStock)
For mild infections, the CDC recommends increased fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
Severe or prolonged infections require antibiotic treatment to enhance survival rates. In cases of infected wounds, surgery may be necessary to remove dead tissue.
“Antibiotics alone are insufficient to combat the flesh-eating bacteria,” Goodyear emphasized. “Early surgical intervention is crucial to eliminate infection sources.”
Approximately one in five individuals succumb to the infection, often within a day or two of illness, according to the CDC.
Preventing infection
To prevent Vibrio infections, experts advise against swimming in open water bodies like oceans, rivers, and estuaries if you have open wounds.
Handel recommended avoiding raw shellfish, especially for immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic liver disease, to prevent Vibrio food poisoning.
“If consuming shellfish, ensure they are fresh and from a hygienic source,” Handel added.
“Antibiotics alone are insufficient to combat the flesh-eating bacteria.”
Vibrio infections are rare and should not cause significant alarm, according to the doctor.
For updated information specific to your location, consult your state and regional health departments, Goodyear recommended.
Fox News Digital contacted the Florida Department of Public Health for additional comments.
