‘Flesh-Eating’ Bacteria Kills 4 In FL, 11 Cases Reported This Year: FL Health Officials

Four people have died so far this year from the so-called “flesh-eating” bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus, according to data from the Florida Department of Health.

The deaths were in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough and St. Johns counties.

Vibrio vulnificus is a gateway to necrotizing fasciitis, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said is a "severe infection in which the flesh around an open wound dies."

"Many people with Vibrio vulnificus infection can get seriously ill and need intensive care or limb amputation. About 1 in 5 people with this infection die, sometimes within a day or two of becoming ill," the CDC added.

Overall, 11 cases have been reported across the state so far in 2025:

• 1 in Bay County
• 1 in Broward County
• 1 in Duval County
• 1 in Escambia County
• 1 in Hillsborough County
• 1 in Lee County
• 1 in Manatee County
• 2 in St. Johns County
• 1 in Santa Rosa County
• 1 in Walton County

Florida leads the U.S. in the number of cases, reports said.

In 2024, there were 82 cases and 19 cases reported across the Sunshine State, data shows. That’s the highest number of cases and deaths recorded in the state over the past decade.

Last year, Pinellas County saw the most cases — 15 — and the most deaths — 3 — from the bacteria in Florida. The increase in Pinellas and several other counties was likely because of hurricane flooding, health officials said.

Vibrio vulnificus naturally occurs in warm, brackish seawater, which is a mix of fresh and saltwater.

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While infections are rare, those with open wounds can be exposed to the bacteria through direct contact with seawater.

"It usually comes from brackish water," Dr. John Sinnott, University of South Florida professor of medicine, told Fox 13. "You can get it by entering the water with an open wound or even just a scratch on your foot or leg."

Health officials added, “Water and wounds do not mix. Do not enter the water if you have fresh cuts or scrapes.”

People can also get infected with Vibrio vulnificus when they eat raw shellfish, particularly oysters.

Symptoms Of "Flesh-Eating Bacteria" Infection

Per the CDC, these are symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus:

• Watery diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills

Signs and symptoms of Vibrio bloodstream infection

• Fever
• Chills
• Dangerously low blood pressure
• Blistering skin lesions

Signs and symptoms of Vibrio wound infection

• Fever
• Redness
• Pain
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Discoloration (turning a color other than normal)

See safety precautions from Florida Health:

• Avoid swimming or wading in floodwaters, standing water, sea water, and brackish water, if possible.
• Cover open cuts or wounds with waterproof bandages if they could come in contact with floodwaters, standing water, sea water, or brackish water.
• Wash skin and any open cuts or wounds thoroughly with soap and clean water after any contact with floodwaters.

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