Florida health officials have confirmed that four people have died this year after contracting a rare and dangerous bacterial infection known as Vibrio vulnificus, often referred to as a “flesh-eating bacteria.”
According to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), the deadly cases occurred in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, and St. Johns counties. In total, 11 people have been infected in 2025 so far, with four fatalities and seven others seriously ill. The exact source of the new infections has not been disclosed.
Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacterium found in warm, brackish coastal waters—where freshwater mixes with seawater—and in raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that infection can occur through ingestion or when contaminated water enters the body via cuts, scrapes, or open wounds.
While not technically a tissue-consuming organism, the bacteria can cause necrotizing fasciitis, a condition in which skin and tissue surrounding an infection site rapidly die. Victims may require intensive care, skin grafts, or even limb amputations. Around 20% of those infected die, often within 24 hours.
Last year, Florida experienced a record 82 cases and 19 deaths, many following severe flooding from hurricanes Helene and Milton, which created ideal conditions for the bacteria to thrive.
The CDC estimates that about 80,000 people in the U.S. contract vibrio-related illnesses annually, with roughly 100 deaths. Health experts warn individuals with recent wounds or weakened immune systems to avoid warm coastal waters, especially during the summer.
With rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns, public health officials are urging Floridians and coastal visitors to stay informed and take precautions when swimming or handling seafood.