Key Takeaway:
- Florida has reported its first Vibrio vulnificus death of 2026, along with 12 additional confirmed infections statewide.
- The bacteria can spread through raw or undercooked shellfish or seawater entering open wounds.
- Health officials advise avoiding raw oysters, protecting open wounds, and seeking prompt care if symptoms develop.
Florida health officials have reported the state’s first death from a confirmed Vibrio vulnificus infection this year, along with 12 additional cases statewide, urging residents to avoid raw shellfish and protect open wounds from seawater exposure, echoing an earlier East Coast flesh-eating bacteria cluster that killed six people in three states.
The Florida Department of Health said Thursday that a patient between 80 and 84 years old died in Palm Beach County after contracting Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium commonly referred to as the “flesh eating bacteria.” The department’s latest surveillance data also shows 12 additional confirmed infections across Florida so far this year.
Florida health officials confirm statewide cases
According to the department, Palm Beach County has reported three total cases, including the fatal infection. Miami-Dade County has recorded two cases, while single infections have been confirmed in Bay, Hillsborough, Lee, Marion, Okaloosa, Polk and St. Johns counties.
The reported infections remain below last year’s total of 33 confirmed cases and five deaths, according to state health data.
The Florida Department of Health said Vibrio vulnificus naturally occurs in warm coastal waters and can infect people through open wounds exposed to seawater or by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters.
Older adults and people with weakened immunity face highest risk
Health officials said people with weakened immune systems, chronic liver disease or other underlying medical conditions face the greatest risk of severe illness from this flesh eating bacteria.
Symptoms of serious infection can include fever, chills, low blood pressure, septic shock and blistering skin lesions. In severe cases, the flesh eating bacteria can spread rapidly through the bloodstream and become life-threatening.
The department said prompt medical attention is critical for anyone who develops symptoms after consuming raw shellfish or exposing an open wound to marine water.
Officials urge safe seafood handling and wound precautions
The Florida Department of Health advised residents to avoid eating raw or undercooked oysters and other shellfish, since thorough cooking significantly reduces the risk of flesh eating bacteria infection.
Officials also recommend avoiding contact with warm saltwater or brackish water if a person has cuts, scrapes, or other open wounds. Any wound exposed to marine water should be washed thoroughly with soap and clean water.
“People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe and life-threatening illness,” the Florida Department of Health said in its public health guidance.
Health authorities continue to monitor cases statewide and encourage healthcare providers, per CDC guidance on Vibrio infection, to remain alert for symptoms consistent with Vibrio vulnificus infection, particularly during the warmer months when the bacteria are more common in coastal waters.
