Florida has reported the first death from flesh-eating bacteria, vibrio vulnificus, of the year.
Vibrio vulnificus is naturally discovered in warm marine waters and can be contracted by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, as per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC stated an estimated 80,000 individuals contract the infection every year across the US that can be caused by multiple strains of Vibrio bacteria.
While revealing the details about the deceased person, the Florida Department of Health stated the person who passed away was between 80 and 84 years old, and died in Palm Beach County in June.
Until yet, nearly 11 cases have been recorded in the state this year. However, Florida recorded 33 cases and five deaths in 2025.
What is vibrio vulnificus?
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria that is mainly found in coastal waters, as it lives in brackish seawater and can enter open wounds while individuals are swimming.
Why is vibrio vulnificus called flesh-eating bacteria?
It is also known as "flesh-eating bacteria" because it leads to vibriosis, necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection where the flesh around a wound dies.
The bacteria is typically in higher numbers from May through October due to the warmer water.
Immunosuppressed people, and older ones are systems are at higher risk of complications from infection, but anyone can get sick from it.
According to the CDC, vibrio vulnificus can cause severe, life-threatening infections. About 1 in 5 people with that infection will die, which can happen within a day or two of becoming ill, the CDC said.
Symptoms of flesh-eating bacteria
Symptoms include watery diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, fever and chills, vomiting.
For people who had wounds that come into contact with the bacteria, they may experience those symptoms plus low blood pressure, blistering skin lesions, warmth, discoloration, swelling or discharge, the CDC said.
Anyone who ate raw meat and experiencing these symptoms are strongly advised to consult their healthcare provider to prevent the disease.
