FLESH-EATING Bacteria Cases Increase in Florida, and the Reason Might Surprise You

We have recently talked about an increase in cases of Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacterium, in Florida. At the end of December 2024, 83 cases of Vibrio vulnificus were confirmed, up from 46 the previous year.

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This increase was due to an active hurricane season in 2024, and although this hurricane season has been fairly quiet so far, the flesh-eating bacteria are back. According to WESH, the bacterium has recently caused the deaths of four people in the state.

Cases of Vibrio vulnificus have been reported in Bay, Broward, and St. John Counties in the state, according to the Florida Department of Health. The reports did not specify where the cases were contracted, but the bacterium is most notably found in salt water, particularly during hurricane season when salt water is directed more inland.

Dr. Daniel Egan, an infectious disease specialist at Orlando Health said, “There’s a lot of bacteria that just live in different areas, even in, like, waterborne spots. So there’s fresh water, salt water, and this bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus likes salt water.”

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Vibrio vulnificus causes illness when it’s ingested (such as in raw or undercooked seafood) or when open wounds are exposed to water contaminated with the bacteria. If you’re traveling to Florida, you’ll want to avoid swimming or wading in floodwaters, as well as standing water, seawater, and brackish water. You’ll also want to cover open cuts or wounds with waterproof bandages. As the bacteria can also be found in raw shellfish like oysters, you’ll want to rethink what you eat during the summer.

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It moves very fast, so it’s important to understand the symptoms, which include a sudden redness that begins spreading very quickly over a day to a few hours. If you notice something like that, head to the emergency room ASAP. Although death is rare, it still does happen, so getting care as soon as symptoms appear is vital.

In 2024, the health department reported 82 cases and 19 deaths from Vibrio vulnificus.

Stay tuned to DFB for more.