Florida health officials are urging beachgoers to take precautions after a flesh-eating bacteria known as Vibrio vulnificus has claimed four lives in 2025. The victims were residents of Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, and St. Johns counties.
Alongside the fatalities, seven more people have fallen seriously ill, bringing the total number of reported cases in 2025 to 11, according to CBS News. Last year saw a spike in infections, with 82 confirmed cases and 19 deaths across the state.
Since 2016, Florida has reported 448 Vibrio vulnificus cases, with 100 resulting in death, as shared by the Florida Department of Health.
🌊 What Is Vibrio Vulnificus?
Florida beach-goers are being warned about Vibrio vulnificus (Getty Stock Image)
Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria found in warm, brackish waters, like those along Florida’s coastline. Think of brackish water as a salty blend — not quite ocean, not quite freshwater.
The bacteria are most commonly encountered in coastal areas, especially during summer and hurricane season, when water temperatures rise.
You can become infected if you:
- Swim with open cuts or wounds
- Eat raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters
- Accidentally ingest contaminated water
Other strains of Vibrio, such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus, can also cause illness, but Vibrio vulnificus is the most deadly.
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🚨 Health Officials Warn Vulnerable Groups
The CDC says that 1 in 5 people with the bacterial infection die (Getty Stock Image)
The CDC has issued a warning: 1 in 5 people infected with Vibrio vulnificus may die, sometimes within just 24–48 hours of exposure.
The Florida Health Department adds that immunocompromised individuals, such as those with liver disease, diabetes, or kidney conditions, are at greater risk and should:
- Avoid entering water with fresh wounds
- Wear water shoes or protective gear to prevent cuts from shells and rocks
Their message is clear: “Water and wounds do not mix.”
⚠️ Symptoms to Watch For
Many people with the infection end up needing intensive care (Getty Stock Image)
According to Cleveland Clinic, symptoms typically appear within 24 hours and may include:
- Fever and chills
- Skin rash that becomes swollen or blistered
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Dizziness or confusion
- Fast heartbeat
In severe cases, it may lead to necrotizing fasciitis (a rapidly spreading soft tissue infection), sepsis, or limb amputation.
🏖️ Stay Safe This Summer
While Vibrio vulnificus sounds scary, the good news is that infections are preventable. Here’s how to stay safe:
- Avoid swimming with open wounds or recent tattoos
- Don’t eat raw oysters or shellfish
- Wear foot protection at the beach
- Clean and cover all cuts immediately after water exposure
By taking simple precautions, you can enjoy Florida’s beautiful beaches safely. For more tips, visit the CDC’s Vibrio Safety Page.
