Lee County has confirmed a fourth case of Vibrio vulnificus this year. The Florida Department of Health made the announcement. The county now leads the state in reported infections from the flesh-eating bacteria in 2025.
Vibrio vulnificus thrives in warm salt and brackish water. People can contract the infection through open wounds or by consuming contaminated raw seafood.
Dr. Toshi Urakawa teaches at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Water School. He said the bacteria can be deadly. “I’m very glad to see that people enjoy the beach and the beauty of the water in Florida. However, if you have something wrong, you should go to a hospital as soon as possible,” said Dr. Toshi Urakawa, according to Gulf Coast News. “These issues have a high death rate.”…