Florida has reported 13 cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria that can cause “flesh-eating” infections, across 11 counties. The death toll has risen to eight, with the majority related to wound exposure.
Health officials say the bacteria live in coastal waters and are often spread through eating raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters. Infection can also occur when an open wound is exposed to contaminated water.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that extreme weather events can cause coastal waters to spread inland, increasing the risk of Vibrio infections.
Symptoms of infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. In severe cases, infection can be life-threatening and even fatal.
To prevent infection, health officials recommend cooking seafood to safe internal temperatures, washing hands after handling raw seafood, covering open wounds with waterproof bandages when in contact with contaminated water, and seeking medical attention immediately if a wound shows signs of infection.
Florida had previously reported four deaths due to Vibrio vulnificus, but the new cases bring the total number of infections to 82, with 19 deaths. The state’s highest number of cases was recorded in 2024, coinciding with Hurricane Helene’s impact on coastal waters.
Source: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article311607642.html