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Teen Hospitalized for Flesh-Eating Bacteria After Swimming with Siblings in Florida

Yahoo News Singapore • June 16, 2026 • health

Key Points:

A 17-year-old Florida teen, Joziah Thompson, contracted a severe Vibrio vulnificus infection, known as flesh-eating bacteria, after swimming at Lion’s Park in Niceville, leading to hospitalization and multiple surgeries.
The infection began with a scratch on his leg and rapidly worsened, causing extreme pain, redness, and serious complications including heart concerns and fluid retention.
Joziah is currently receiving intensive treatment at Studer Family Children's Hospital, with ongoing wound care and medical procedures aimed at saving his leg and stabilizing his health.
His mother, Tirzah Thompson, has paused her spa business to care for him and is advocating for local authorities to implement a system to monitor bacteria levels in coastal waters to prevent similar cases.
The family has launched a GoFundMe to support Joziah’s medical expenses and raise awareness about the dangers of Vibrio vulnificus infections in warm, brackish coastal waters.

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