Flesh-Eating Bacteria Claims Four Lives in Florida This Year

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Four people have died from a flesh-eating bacteria in Florida, the Florida Department of Health announced.

“Vibrio Vulnificus” is a flesh-eating bacterium that normally lives in warm seawater.

According to the Florida Department of Health, 11 cases have been confirmed in 2025, with four deaths.

Consuming raw shellfish, especially oysters, or having open cuts while in contact with seawater can lead to an infection from Vibrio vulnificus.

Some tips to avoid the bacteria are:

Do not eat raw oysters or other raw shellfish
Cook shellfish
Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water, or raw shellfish harvested from such waters
Wear protective clothing when handling raw shellfish

“Water and wounds do not mix. Do not enter the water if you have fresh cuts or scrapes,” The Florida Department of Health said.

Those with weakened immune systems are advised to wear protective shoes to avoid injuries from rocks and shells at the beach.

Confirmed cases of Vibrio Vulnificus in Florida are:

According to the Florida Department of Health, in 2024, there were 82 confirmed cases with 19 deaths.

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