Florida health officials have confirmed that four people have died in the state this year after being infected by a rare and dangerous bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus. These bacteria are often found in warm coastal waters, where saltwater and freshwater meet.
According to the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), a total of 11 people across the state have been infected so far in 2025. Out of these, four have died and seven others are recovering. The cases were reported in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, and St. Johns counties.
Officials did not say exactly how or where these individuals got infected, but they warned that this type of bacteria can live in saltwater, brackish water, and even in raw or undercooked seafood like oysters.
WHAT MAKES THE BACTERIA SO DANGEROUS
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacterium found in warm coastal waters. People can get infected in two ways: by eating contaminated seafood or by getting the bacteria into an open wound while swimming or wading in water.
Even though infections are rare, they can be extremely serious. The CDC estimates that around 80,000 people get vibrio infections in the US every year, and about 100 die.
“This is not a bacteria that eats flesh,” the CDC clarified, “but once it gets into the body, especially through a wound, it can cause a condition called necrotizing fasciitis.” In this condition, the skin and tissue around the infected area start to die. The infection can spread very fast and may even require surgery or amputation.
“About one in five people who get infected die, sometimes within just one day of becoming sick,” the CDC said.
HEALTH OFFICIALS ISSUE WARNINGS
Officials have urged people to be extremely cautious when spending time in coastal waters — especially those with any open wounds, cuts, or scrapes. “If you have a fresh wound, don’t enter brackish or saltwater,” said a statement from the FDOH. “The bacteria can enter your body through even small openings and cause serious health problems.”
Last year, Florida saw a record number of cases — 82 infections and 19 deaths — most of them reported after the state was hit by two hurricanes, Helene and Milton. The storms caused heavy flooding, creating the perfect environment for the bacteria to grow and spread.
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