Four people in Florida have died this year from Vibrio vulnificus, a rare flesh-eating bacterium found in warm, brackish seawater, according to state health officials. The deaths are among 11 confirmed cases so far in 2025.
That number is down significantly from 2024, when infections peaked with 82 cases and 19 deaths. Health officials linked that spike to Hurricane Helene.
Cases span multiple Florida counties
Since 2016, Florida has recorded 448 cases and 100 deaths tied to the bacteria. The 2025 deaths have been reported in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, and St. Johns counties. Additional cases have been confirmed in Duval, Escambia, Lee, Manatee, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties, as well as a second case in St. Johns.
CDC: Infections rare but dangerous
While Vibrio vulnificus infections are uncommon, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 80,000 Vibrio cases and 100 related deaths occur each year in the United States.
The bacterium poses a heightened risk to individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions.
Doctor warns of severe symptoms
“People who are most at risk are immunocompromised — people with cirrhosis, people on chemo, anybody who has a compromised immune system of any kind,” said Dr. Edward Hirsch, an infectious disease specialist at HCA Florida University Hospital…