Health authorities in Florida are urging the public to take extra precautions after Vibrio vulnificus—a rare but deadly flesh-eating bacterium—has caused four deaths and infected 11 people so far in 2025.
The bacterium lives in warm, brackish waters commonly found along Florida’s coastlines. It can enter the body through open wounds during swimming or wading and may also be contracted by consuming raw shellfish, especially oysters.
While infections are relatively rare, Vibrio vulnificus can cause vibriosis, a serious illness marked by vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially life-threatening skin and bloodstream infections.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of a skin infection include redness, swelling, fever, and blisters. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream, the infection can escalate quickly to septic shock and skin lesions—half of such cases are fatal.
Individuals with weakened immune systems, chronic liver disease, or conditions like diabetes and cancer are particularly vulnerable. Health experts recommend avoiding saltwater if you have fresh cuts, thoroughly cooking shellfish, and wearing gloves when handling raw seafood.
Treatment includes hydration, antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgery or amputation to prevent the spread of necrotizing fasciitis—the condition that causes tissue to die around wounds.
Early diagnosis is crucial. Florida health officials stress that about 1 in 5 people who contract Vibrio vulnificus may die within a day or two of falling ill, underscoring the importance of prevention and prompt medical care.
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