Florida Department of Health: Four Dead in State from Flesh-Eating Bacteria, Warns about Swimming in Warm, Brackish Waters

CDC: About one in five people who contract the infection die

Florida health officials are urging residents and visitors to use caution in coastal waters following the deaths of four people this year from a rare, flesh-eating bacterial infection caused by Vibrio vulnificus.

The Florida Department of Health confirmed that 11 people statewide have contracted the bacteria in 2025, with four resulting in death. The cases have prompted renewed warnings about swimming in warm, brackish waters, especially for individuals with open wounds or weakened immune systems.

Vibrio vulnificus, a naturally occurring bacterium in coastal waters, is known to thrive in warm, low-salinity environments.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the bacteria can enter the body through broken skin or be ingested through the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters.

Although infections are uncommon, Vibrio vulnificus can cause a serious condition known as vibriosis, characterized by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

More severe skin infections may develop, especially when the bacteria enter through wounds. Signs include swelling, redness, fever, and discharge. In the most serious cases, the bacteria can cause necrotizing fasciitis — a fast-spreading infection that destroys tissue, sometimes leading to limb amputation or death.

“About one in five people who contract the infection die, sometimes within just one to two days of becoming ill,” the CDC warns.

Florida Health also noted that people with chronic conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, cancer, HIV, or those taking immunosuppressive medications are at higher risk for complications. These individuals should avoid exposure to potentially contaminated waters and refrain from consuming raw shellfish.

To reduce the risk of infection, health officials recommend:

■ Avoiding saltwater and brackish water with open wounds or cuts.
■ Refraining from eating raw oysters and other uncooked seafood.
■ Using gloves when handling raw shellfish.
■ Preventing cross-contamination between raw seafood and other foods.

There is no evidence of person-to-person transmission of the bacteria, the health department added.

Diagnosis typically involves testing samples from stool, wounds, or blood. Mild cases can often be managed with fluids, but more serious infections may require antibiotics or surgery to remove dead tissue. In extreme situations, amputation may be necessary to prevent the spread of the infection.

As water temperatures rise during the summer months, officials continue to monitor Vibrio-related illnesses and stress the importance of awareness and preventive measures.

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