1 dead and 12 infected by ‘flesh-eating bacteria’ that invade waters and seafood along Florida’s coast

A Florida resident is the state’s first person to die this year from Vibrio vulnificus infection, better known as the “flesh-eating bacteria,” that invades waters and seafood along the coast.

The patient, aged between 80 and 84, died in Palm Beach County, according to Florida Department of Health data released Thursday. No further details were provided.

So far in 2026, Florida has confirmed 12 Vibrio vulnificus infections. Two additional infections have been reported in Palm Beach County, as well as two additional cases in Miami-Dade County.

The remaining eight infections were reported in Bay, Hillsborough, Lee, Marion, Okaloosa, Polk and St. Johns counties, according to state health data.

This year’s cases come after Florida reported five deaths and 33 confirmed infections linked to Vibrio vulnificus last year. In 2024, Florida recorded 82 confirmed Vibrio vulnificus infections and 19 deaths. Health officials linked an unusual rise in cases across Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which may have increased exposure to contaminated coastal waters.

Vibrio vulnificus thrives in warm, brackish coastal waters and is most commonly associated with infections during the summer months, typically from May through October.

The bacteria can cause serious illness when it enters the body, with infections reported after exposure to contaminated water or seafood.

People can become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters, which can harbor the bacteria. It can also enter through cuts, wounds, or other breaks in the skin when someone comes into contact with seawater or brackish water where the bacteria are present.

Although Vibrio vulnificus infections are relatively uncommon, they can become life-threatening quickly. The U.S. sees about 80,000 cases of Vibriosis each year, with severe infections carrying a fatality rate of about one in five, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Early symptoms can include fever, chills, and worsening skin infections, while more severe cases may lead to septic shock and painful, blistering skin lesions, the Florida Department of Health warns. Without prompt treatment, the infection can spread quickly and cause extensive tissue damage.

The most serious infections often require aggressive medical intervention, including multiple surgeries to remove infected tissue and, in some cases, amputation to prevent the infection from spreading further. Older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic conditions such as liver disease or diabetes face a significantly higher risk of severe complications.

Health officials urge anyone with open cuts or wounds to avoid contact with warm coastal waters and take extra precautions when handling or consuming raw shellfish, especially during the warmer months.