Deadly flesh-eating bacteria in Florida waters: Vibrio cases decline, but danger persists, data show
That number is down from 2024, when infections peaked with 82 cases and 19 deaths. Health officials linked that spike to Hurricane Helene.
Since 2016, Florida has recorded 448 cases and 100 deaths tied to the bacteria.
The 2025 deaths have been reported in Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, and St. Johns counties. Additional cases have also been confirmed in Duval, Escambia, Lee, Manatee, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties, as well as a second case in St. Johns.
Vibrio vulnificus infections are uncommon, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 80,000 Vibrio cases and 100 related deaths occur each year in the United States.
The bacterium poses a heightened risk to individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions.
Here are some key facts about Vibrio vulnificus, according to the CDC:
For more information, visit the CDC's Vibrio page.
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