Flesh-Eating Bacteria Claims 4 Lives in Florida in 2025: What You Need to Know About Vibrio vulnificus

As Florida’s summer heats up, so does the risk of a rare but deadly bacterial infection. The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) has confirmed that four people have died in 2025 from Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria that thrives in warm, salty seawater. The deaths occurred in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, and St. Johns counties, raising concerns among beachgoers, seafood lovers, and coastal communities alike.

This alarming update follows a troubling trend: in 2024, 19 Floridians died from Vibrio vulnificus infections, with spikes linked to environmental conditions following Hurricane Helene. While this year’s numbers are currently lower, public health officials are urging Floridians and visitors to remain vigilant, particularly during the summer months when coastal water temperatures rise.

What Is Vibrio vulnificus?

Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria found in brackish and saltwater, especially during the warmer months. It is not to be confused with the more commonly known vibrio cholerae, which causes cholera. Instead, V. vulnificus is more insidious and dangerous for certain populations, especially those with weakened immune systems, liver disease, or chronic illnesses.

According to the FDOH, the bacteria can infect humans in two primary ways:

1. Through ingestion – Often from eating raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters.
2. Through open wounds – When cuts or broken skin are exposed to warm, salty or brackish water, the bacteria can enter the body and cause severe skin infections, which may progress to necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating disease).

Symptoms can vary depending on how the infection is contracted:

Ingestion-related:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fever

Wound-related:

• Redness and swelling near the affected area
• Blistering skin lesions
• Ulcers
• Rapidly progressing infection leading to tissue destruction

In severe cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream, causing sepsis, organ failure, and even death within days. According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 people infected with Vibrio vulnificus die, sometimes within 48 hours.

While healthy individuals can also be affected, certain groups face a significantly higher risk of severe illness or death, including:

• People with liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis
• Individuals with diabetes or kidney disease
• Those with weakened immune systems
• Elderly individuals
• People taking immunosuppressant medications

Safety Tips to Prevent Vibrio vulnificus Infection

The Florida Department of Health advises the following precautions to reduce the risk of infection:

• Avoid eating raw oysters or shellfish. Cook all seafood thoroughly.
• Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw seafood and its juices away from cooked food.
• Keep open wounds out of warm salt or brackish water.
• Wear gloves when handling raw shellfish, especially if you have cuts or abrasions.
• Stay out of water if you have a recent tattoo, surgical wound, or piercing that hasn’t healed.

If you experience signs of infection, especially after eating raw seafood or being in warm saltwater, seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics or surgical intervention can be life-saving.

Legal Questions: Can Victims or Families File a Lawsuit?

In some cases, people who contract serious infections may have grounds for legal action, particularly if the illness was caused or worsened by negligence. Examples include:

• Restaurants or oyster bars that serve raw shellfish without proper warnings or from unregulated sources
• Vacation rental hosts or property owners who fail to disclose known environmental hazards
• Seafood suppliers or distributors that knowingly provide contaminated products
• Healthcare providers who fail to diagnose or treat the infection in a timely manner

If you or a loved one has suffered from a Vibrio vulnificus infection due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death (in fatal cases)

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we handle complex cases involving environmental exposure, foodborne illness, and preventable deaths across Florida. If you’ve been impacted by a Vibrio vulnificus infection or lost a loved one, our attorneys are ready to help you understand your legal options.