A fourth individual in Florida has died from a flesh-eating bacteria, health officials confirmed. The death, announced Thursday by the Florida Department of Health, is linked to Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium often associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked oysters.
The latest fatality was a resident of Broward County, aged between 75 and 79. It remains undetermined how this individual contracted the infection. Previous deaths were reported in Bay, Palm Beach, and Marion counties.
Florida has reported 21 cases of Vibrio vulnificus in 2026. The Florida Department of Health states that most infections occur from eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.
In recent years, 2022 and 2024 saw higher numbers of cases and fatalities. Florida recorded 19 deaths and 82 cases in 2024, and 17 deaths and 74 cases in 2022. Officials have suggested that unusual increases in cases may be linked to the impacts of hurricanes Helene and Ian on certain counties.
Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacterium found in warm, brackish seawater. Exposure can happen through consuming contaminated oysters or through open wounds coming into contact with contaminated water. Health officials warn that bloodstream infections caused by this bacterium are fatal in about 50% of cases.
While healthy individuals may experience mild illness, Vibrio vulnificus can cause severe illness in those with weakened immune systems. A study indicated that individuals with pre-existing medical conditions are significantly more likely to develop severe infections. Symptoms can include fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock), and blistering skin lesions. In severe instances, wound infections can lead to extensive tissue damage requiring amputation.
Elsewhere, Louisiana has reported 15 cases and six deaths as of September 9, with 14 cases attributed to wound or seawater exposure. Texas typically averages around 33 cases annually, and Mississippi reported three cases as of August.