Florida reports first 2026 death from rare ‘flesh-eating’ bacteria
The infection can become deadly within a day or two, and Florida has confirmed cases from Miami-Dade to St. Johns County.
Did you know that cases of flesh-eating bacteria spike after hurricanes? They’re also becoming more common as bodies of water heat up. Here’s what you should know to stay safe.
Florida has reported its first death of 2026 from Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but potentially deadly bacterium commonly described as “flesh-eating.”
The death involved a Palm Beach County resident between 80 and 84 years old, according to The Orlando Sentinel. The case was first reported to the state in June, although officials have not disclosed when the person died or how the infection was contracted.
As of July 23, Florida had confirmed non-fatal 11 cases across eight counties: Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Lee, Palm Beach, Marion, Okaloosa, Polk and St. Johns. Two of the cases were reported in Palm Beach County.
Florida recorded 33 cases and five deaths in 2025.
Vibrio vulnificus occurs naturally in warm coastal and brackish water, where fresh and salt water mix. Infections generally occur in two ways: when an open wound, including a recent tattoo or piercing, is exposed to contaminated water, or when a person eats raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, where the bacteria can become concentrated.
Vibrio vulnificus bacterium in detailed microscopic view. This pathogen causes necrotizing fasciitis. (Photo credit: Getty Images)
Despite its common nickname, the bacteria do not actually eat flesh. Severe wound infections can release toxins that cause surrounding tissue to die, leading to rapidly spreading redness, swelling, intense pain, blistering lesions and skin breakdown.
Bloodstream infections can cause fever, chills, dangerously low blood pressure and septic shock. The CDC says about 1 in 5 people with a Vibrio vulnificus infection die, sometimes within a day or two after symptoms begin. Florida health officials say roughly half of bloodstream infections are fatal.
Treatment typically involves antibiotics, but severe infections may require surgery or amputation to remove dead or infected tissue.
People with liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, HIV or weakened immune systems face a greater risk of developing life-threatening complications. The Florida Department of Health says people with certain underlying conditions may be 80 times more likely to develop a bloodstream infection than otherwise healthy people.
Most infections occur from May through October as coastal waters warm. Florida has previously recorded increases following hurricanes Ian and Helene, when flooding increased opportunities for contaminated coastal or brackish water to reach wounds.
Health officials recommend avoiding salt or brackish water with open cuts, wearing protective footwear around shells and rocks, using gloves while handling raw seafood and thoroughly cooking oysters and other shellfish.
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