Florida's Vibrio Cases Highlight Risks of Raw Oysters and Coastal Waters
Florida has reported 14 cases and two deaths from Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium found in warm coastal waters. The deaths occurred in Palm Beach and Marion counties, but the exact source of infection remains unclear. Vibrio vulnificus can infect individuals through raw or undercooked oysters and through open wounds exposed to contaminated water. The bacterium is often referred to as 'flesh-eating' due to its potential to cause severe tissue damage, although not all infections result in such outcomes. 
