Florida reports first 2026 death from flesh-eating bacteria. How to reduce your risk of Vibrio vulnificus infection before dining or swimming in the ocean.
Yahoo • • health
Key Points:
- Florida reported its first death in 2026 from the flesh-eating bacterium Vibrio vulnificus, marking the first U.S. death from the bacterium this year, with 11 other cases confirmed in the state.
- Vibrio vulnificus thrives in warm coastal waters from May to October, especially in Gulf Coast states, and can cause severe infections that may require intensive care or lead to death in about 20% of cases.
- People can become infected through open wounds exposed to contaminated water or seafood, or by consuming raw or undercooked seafood, particularly oysters.
- Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, chills, and in severe cases, blistering skin lesions and dangerously low blood pressure; immediate medical attention is advised for suspected infections.
- Individuals with liver disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk, and health officials recommend precautions such as avoiding exposure of open wounds to seawater and thoroughly cooking seafood to prevent infection.
