As of 2025, four individuals have lost their lives after contracting the dangerous Vibrio vulnificus, commonly referred to as the "flesh-eating bacteria," across four different counties in Florida. The victims' identities remain undisclosed by the authorities. Vibrio vulnificus thrives in brackish or saltwater environments and can lead to severe, even fatal infections, particularly during the warmer months.
According to the Florida Department of Health, there have been 11 confirmed cases of this infection by July 21, 2025, with four resulting in death.
Counties Affected by Fatalities
Bay County: One death attributed to Vibrio vulnificus has been reported. This marks the first fatality from this cause in the county in three years, sparking local concern as reported by Univision.
Broward County: Another individual succumbed to the bacteria. While the exact location of exposure is unspecified, it's suspected that the infection might have been contracted at Deerfield Beach or Fort Lauderdale, popular spots in the region.
Hillsborough County: One death has been confirmed in 2025. Over the past two years, this county has documented 12 infection cases, with four ending in fatalities, indicating a troubling trend.
St. Johns County: This is the only county with two reported infections this year, one of which was fatal. St. Augustine, a well-known summer tourist destination, is located here.
Understanding Vibrio vulnificus
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria found in marine environments, especially in warm, shallow waters. It can enter the body through open wounds or by consuming contaminated raw seafood, like oysters. Dr. Liz Jaramillo, an infectious disease expert, emphasizes that individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions, such as diabetes or liver diseases, face heightened risks of severe complications.
Symptoms can develop rapidly and may include:
- Severe pain at the infection site.
- Redness, swelling, and blistering.
- Fever and chills.
- Low blood pressure and septic shock.
- In extreme cases, tissue necrosis requiring amputation.
Preventive Measures Against Infection
The Florida Department of Health has issued preventive guidelines, particularly for beachgoers and seafood consumers:
- Avoid swimming with open or recent wounds in salt or brackish waters.
- Refrain from eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially oysters.
- Thoroughly clean any wound that has been exposed to seawater.
- Seek immediate medical attention if any signs of infection appear.
Persistent Summer Threat
Though Vibrio vulnificus cases are not new to Florida, the lethality and clustering of infections in just half a year have raised alarms among health officials. With rising temperatures and an influx of tourists to coastal areas, experts urge continued caution during the peak season. The swift progression of this infection can severely jeopardize health if not addressed promptly. Prevention and immediate medical intervention are crucial to prevent further fatalities in 2025.
Experts fear that the number of affected individuals may rise in the coming weeks. While there's no evidence of human-to-human transmission, the bacteria's effects can be devastating: vomiting, fever, sepsis, and soft tissue necrosis, which sometimes necessitates amputations or leads to death if not swiftly treated.
In 2024, Florida recorded a peak of 19 deaths and 82 infections, numbers linked by officials to the extreme conditions following Hurricanes Helene in September and Milton in October. Subsequent flooding likely contributed to the bacteria's spread, especially in coastal areas.
After Hurricane Milton in October, health authorities reiterated the risk associated with Vibrio vulnificus due to contaminated floodwaters. A June 2023 study by Florida Atlantic University highlighted the bacteria's prevalence in marine algae and sargassum, stretching from West Africa to the Gulf of Mexico. Researchers also found that the bacteria can adhere to floating microplastics, creating a "perfect pathogenic storm" with potential impacts on both marine life and human health.
Despite its rarity, experts caution that the infection may be underreported, and its high mortality rate demands heightened vigilance from healthcare professionals. In 2021, Florida reported at least eight deaths and more than 20 Vibrio vulnificus infections, based on state health department data. Authorities stress prevention as the primary tool to avoid more infections, highlighting that doctors should maintain a "high suspicion" for Vibrio vulnificus infection in patients presenting with severe gastrointestinal symptoms or septic shock after marine exposure or raw seafood consumption.
FAQs on Vibrio vulnificus in Florida
What is Vibrio vulnificus?
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria found in warm, brackish, or saltwater environments. It can cause severe infections, especially when entering through open wounds or by consuming contaminated raw seafood like oysters.
How can people prevent Vibrio vulnificus infection?
Preventive measures include avoiding swimming with open wounds in salt or brackish waters, not consuming raw or undercooked seafood, cleaning any wounds that come into contact with seawater, and seeking medical attention if infection signs appear.
Why are Vibrio vulnificus cases rising in Florida?
The increase in cases is partly attributed to higher temperatures, more tourists in coastal areas, and environmental factors like hurricanes and flooding that create favorable conditions for the bacteria.