Another case of vibrio vulnificus in Florida has been reported over the last week, raising the total number to 21 for the year, according to the Florida Department of Health.
The rare bacteria that can quickly damage tissue.
Florida Department of Health data, reported 21 confirmed cases as of the period ending Sept. 5, all in different counties.
Four people have died from the disease this year, with no new deaths reported over the last week.
Here's what you should know.
What is vibrio vulnifucus, the 'flesh-eating bacteria'?
Vibrio vulnificus, also called the "flesh-eating bacteria," is a naturally occurring bacterium found in warm coastal waters. People can become infected by eating raw or undercooked oysters or when open wounds come into contact with contaminated brackish water, where freshwater and
seawater mix.
"Open wounds" can mean very small cuts or scrapes. Genevieve Gallagher, who lost her left leg below the knee from an infection last year, told WESH it didn't take much.
“Going to the beach for a day of fun is not worth it," she said. "If you have a cut on your leg, a mosquito bite that you scratched and it’s open, if you shaved your legs before you are going to the beach the next day, you are leaving those little microscopic openings for this bacteria to make its way in.”
While infections are extremely rare, they can become life-threatening within hours. Severe cases may require emergency surgery and, in some cases, immediate amputation to prevent the infection from spreading.
Florida recorded 33 cases and five deaths in 2025.
See Florida counties where vibrio has been reported
According to Florida Department of Health data through Sept. 5, cases have been reported in:
Cases
- Bay: 2
- Broward: 2
- Lee: 2
- Marion: 2
- Miami-Dade: 2
- Palm Beach: 2
- Polk: 2
- Santa Rosa: 2
- Brevard: 1
- Duval: 1
- Hillsborough: 1
- Okaloosa: 1
- St. Johns: 1
Deaths:
- Bay: 1
- Broward: 1
- Marion: 1
- Palm Beach: 1
How to avoid getting infected with vibrio vulnificus
Vibrio vulnificus thrives in bays, estuaries, river mouths, and other brackish-water environments common along Florida's coastline.
Most infections occur after eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, harvested from coastal waters. Infections also occur when cuts, scrapes, or other open wounds are exposed to contaminated water.
The bacterium can cause necrotizing fasciitis, a rapidly spreading infection that damages tissue and can lead to sepsis, organ damage, and death.
People at the highest risk of severe illness include those with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, or thalassemia, as well as people taking immune-suppressing medications, people who use acid-reducing drugs, people who recently underwent stomach surgery, and older adults with multiple underlying health issues.
Health officials advise avoiding eating raw or undercooked oysters, especially if anyone in a high-risk group, and keeping open wounds out of brackish water.
What are the symptoms of vibrio vulnificus?
Symptoms may include:
- Watery diarrhea
- stomach cramps
- nausea and vomiting
- fever
- chills
- low blood pressure
- blistering skin lesions
- Redness, swelling, pain, warmth, discoloration, and drainage from infected wounds
Anyone who develops symptoms after eating raw seafood or exposure to brackish water should seek immediate medical attention.
Cheryl McCloud and C. A. Bridges are journalists for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY..
(This story was updated to add new information.)
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida vibrio vulnificus cases increase again. Symptoms to watch for
