Florida currently leads the nation in Vibrio vulnificus infections, but how common is it?
Florida has reported four deaths associated with a "flesh-eating" bacteria known as Vibrio vulnificus, which has seemingly set off a bit of panic throughout the state.
There have been 11 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus and four deaths, according to data published by the Florida Department of Health on July 11, putting the state more or less in line with the average number of cases by July (16.5).
Escambia and Santa Rosa counties also reported their first cases of flesh-eating bacteria of the year, each reported a single count.
'Flesh-eating' bacteria: 2 cases found in Escambia, Santa Rosa counties
Like the rest of Florida, the Pensacola area is no stranger to Vibrio vulnificus cases. In 2019, the News Journal reported on a Pensacola man who nearly died after contracting flesh-eating bacteria while fishing in his kayak in Big Lagoon.
The man noticed his right leg began to hurt a few hours after he got home. After another 15 to 20 minutes, he said a boil came up 'out of nowhere' and he was unable to walk. After a long stay at Ascension Sacred Heart and at least 10 surgeries, he had to learn to talk again.
Over the past 10 years, Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, on average, have reported fewer than a handful of Vibrio vulnificus cases annually.
Flesh-eating bacteria are a dangerous virus, but thankfully rare to encounter. If you're concerned about contracting it, here's what to know to prevent it.
Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have had 48 confirmed flesh-eating bacteria cases since 2015
Escambia and Santa Rosa counties have averaged around 3.4 and 1.8 annual cases of flesh-eating bacteria between 2015 and 2024, respectively, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Both counties saw the highest number of cases in the nine-year period in 2022, when Escambia County had five confirmed cases and Santa Rosa County had four.
For Florida as a whole, 2022 saw the second-highest number of reported flesh-eating bacteria cases at 74. The highest number was 83, which was reported in 2024.
Does Pensacola Beach have flesh-eating bacteria?
Vibrio vulnificus bacteria are naturally occurring in warm saltwater and brackish water, which is a mixture of saltwater and freshwater, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Vibrio can be found in waters throughout Florida, but not all Vibrio bacteria cause the sort of flesh-eating infection that leads to necrotizing fasciitis, which is when the infection kills flesh surrounding an open wound.
To complicate matters, swimming in contaminated waters isn't the only way to become infected. Another source of infection is contaminated raw or undercooked seafood, especially shellfish such as oysters.
Florida has averaged around 54 annual cases of flesh-eating bacteria since 2015
Florida leads the nation in Vibrio vulnificus infections, though spikes in cases and deaths tend to coincide with major hurricanes, when seawater is carried on shore, triggering flooding and dumping seawater into freshwater sources.
Between 2015 and 2024, Florida averaged 54 Vibrio vulnificus cases and about 11 deaths each year. The state saw an uptick in cases and deaths in 2022 when Hurricane Ian battered communities along the southwest coast, leading to 74 reported cases and 17 deaths.
Last year, the state recorded 82 cases and 19 deaths – a surge health officials tied to a pair of damaging hurricanes, Helene and Milton.
How many people have died from flesh-eating bacteria in Florida?
According to the FDOH 4 people have died so far in 2025, as of Friday, July 11:
Bay County: 1
Broward County: 1
Hillsborough County: 1
St. Johns: 1
Between 2008 and 2025, 178 people in Florida have died from Vibrio vulnificus, according to FDOH records.
How many cases of flesh-eating bacteria have been reported in Florida?
According to the FDOH, 11 cases have been reported so far in 2025, as of Friday, July 11:
Bay County: 1
Broward County: 1
Escambia County: 1
Hillsborough County: 1
Lee County: 1
Manatee County: 1
St. Johns County: 2
Santa Rosa County: 1
Walton County: 1
How you can prevent becoming infected from flesh-eating bacteria
It's difficult to completely avoid potentially coming into contact with Vibrio in Florida if you enjoy seafood or the beach. Here are some tips from the health department on preventing Vibrio vulnificus.
Do not eat raw oysters or other raw shellfish.
Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly.
For shellfish in the shell, either a) boil until the shells open and continue boiling for 5 more minutes, or b) steam until the shells open and then continue cooking for 9 more minutes. Do not eat those shellfish that do not open during cooking. Boil shucked oysters at least 3 minutes, or fry them in oil at least 10 minutes at 375°F.
Avoid cross-contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood.
Eat shellfish promptly after cooking and refrigerate leftovers.
Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water, or to raw shellfish harvested from such waters.
Wear protective clothing (e.g., gloves) when handling raw shellfish.
Can flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus be treated?
Yes and it's crucial that anyone who believes they are infected seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Severe or prolonged Vibrio infections are treated with antibiotics. Vibrio wound infection is treated with antibiotics and surgery to remove dead or infected tissue, according to the CDC. In serious situations, surgery may include amputation.
The CDC doesn't recommend antibiotics to treat mild Vibrio infections. Anyone experiencing diarrhea or vomiting should drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
What are the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus?
Common symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever, according to the CDC.
When open wounds are exposed to contaminated salt or brackish water, Vibrio vulnificus can cause discoloration, swelling, skin breakdown and ulcers. The bacteria can also invade the bloodstream and threaten severe and life-threatening illnesses such as septic shock, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.
"Vibrio vulnificus bloodstream infections are fatal about 50 percent of the time," according to the Florida Department of Health.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Is 'flesh-eating' bacteria common in the Pensacola area?
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