Four people dead in Florida from flesh-eating bacteria found in coastal waters
The state's health department confirmed the deaths in a notice posted on the Florida Health website.
A total of 11 people have contracted the bacteria in 2025, according to the same source.
Vibrio vulnificus is part of a wider group of Vibrio bacteria, which are found in coastal waters, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states.
This specific bacterium, Vibrio vulnificus, typically lives in warm, brackish seawater, and can enter open wounds when people are swimming.
Another potential source of infection is raw shellfish, especially oysters, Florida Health noted.
Although infections are rare, Vibrio vulnificus can cause an illness called vibriosis, often marked by vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, as well as potentially severe skin infections, the above source cautioned.
Signs and symptoms of a Vibrio skin infection include fever, redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration and discharge, per the CDC's website.
While healthy people generally experience only mild symptoms, those who are immunocompromised or have chronic liver disease can face serious health risks.
If Vibrio vulnificus enters the bloodstream, it can cause severe illness marked by fever, chills, septic shock and blistering skin lesions, according to Florida Health.
About half of these bloodstream infections are fatal.
Some severe cases can cause an infection called necrotizing fasciitis, which is when the flesh around an open wound dies, the CDC cautions. This rare side effect has led to Vibrio vulnificus being described as a "flesh-eating bacteria."
No cases of person-to-person transmission have been reported, Florida Health stated.
The bacterial infection is diagnosed by testing cultures obtained from stool, wounds or blood, according to health officials.
For mild infections, the CDC recommends increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
Those with severe or prolonged infections should receive antibiotics to improve survival rates.
For those with infected wounds, surgery may be necessary to remove dead tissue.
"Aggressive attention should be given to the wound site; for patients with wound infections, amputation of the infected limb is sometimes necessary," Florida Health stated.
About one in five people will die from the infection, sometimes within a day or two of illness, the CDC states.
Health officials caution against entering warm saltwater or brackish water if any fresh cuts, scrapes or wounds are present.
It's also recommended to not consume raw oysters and other raw shellfish, and to avoid cross-contamination of other foods with raw seafood or its juices.
Protective gloves should be worn when handling raw shellfish.
Those with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV or thalassemia (a group of hereditary blood disorders) — as well as those who are taking immune-suppressing medications — are at a higher risk of complications and should take extra precautions, the CDC warns.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
In 2024, a total of 82 cases of Vibrio vulnificus and 19 deaths were reported to Florida Health.
There were 46 cases and 11 deaths in 2023.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
26 minutes ago
- Forbes
Perplexity CEO Gives A Key Lesson On Leadership, Competition, And Fear
Aravind Srinivas highlights an overlooked leadership lesson. The modern business environment is undergoing significant volatility and disruptions, requiring CEOs and senior leaders to expand their capacity continually. While much focus in leadership has rightly shifted toward well-being and resilience, one crucial element, often overlooked, can still trip up even the best of executives: fear. Typically, fear is framed as something to conquer, avoid, or eliminate. However, fear doesn't have to be the enemy. It can instead serve as an effective tool sharpening leaders' instincts, accelerating their decisions, and fending off complacency. Aravind Srinivas, co-founder and CEO of Perplexity, captured this perspective during a talk at Y Combinator's AI Startup School: "There's real benefit from embracing that fear and sleeping with that fear and waking up every day and feeling excited about what you're going to build because that's the only thing that'll keep you going." This type of perspective is "healthy paranoia." Here are four specific advantages healthy paranoia offers leaders: 1. Healthy Paranoia Sharpens Your Thinking Whether it's a tiger in the wild or a sudden threat to your market share, fear has a universal effect: it sharpens your focus. In moments of real or perceived threats, whether physical, emotional, financial, or strategic, the brain cuts through distractions and focuses on what matters most. For leaders, healthy paranoia channels that same response. It forces sharper thinking and clearer questioning. Where are we vulnerable? What feels safe but isn't? Srinivas articulates this well: 'You should assume OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google will build it too. The only moat is speed.' In an era where ideas and initiatives are easily replicated, speed and continuous refinement have become essential competitive advantages. Rather than fearing imitation, healthy paranoia demands pinpointing the area in which leaders can truly excel and executing relentlessly toward mastery. This kind of thinking drives ruthless prioritization and strategic clarity. 2. Healthy Paranoia Fuels Urgency Without Chaos Healthy paranoia doesn't paralyze, it catapults. Unlike panic-driven urgency that generates chaos, healthy paranoia encourages consistent forward motion rooted in clarity and conviction. Srinivas characterizes running Perplexity as a marathon at "extremely high velocity," emphasizing the need to "move fast and keep shipping." In leadership (and life in general, most of the time), procrastination is natural until the stakes become clear and impossible to ignore. Healthy paranoia distills these stakes and causes decisive action. It shortens the gap between idea and implementation, providing sustained momentum that's deliberate rather than reactive. 3. Healthy Paranoia Prevents Complacency Former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton used the phrase "Don't eat the cheese," warning players against succumbing to praise and external validation. Similarly, healthy paranoia protects executives against complacency. Success, while desirable, can breed complacency and even a sense of entitlement, thus diluting urgency. Srinivas intentionally reads comments predicting Perplexity's downfall, acknowledging, "I love reading them. It reminds us that no one is entitled to survive." Leaders who thrive in hyper-competitive and volatile environments never assume safety; they continuously reinforce their competitive edge even in periods of success. 4. Healthy Paranoia Demands Physical And Mental Durability Healthy paranoia isn't purely psychological, as it places substantial demands on a leader's physical, emotional, and mental operating systems. Srinivas frequently engages directly in addressing operational challenges, an approach that requires high stamina and sharp cognitive functioning. In high-stakes and competitive business landscapes, resilience is not a luxury: it is a necessity. It's a non-negotiable. Leaders with audacious goals must maintain a robust physical and mental infrastructure to withstand pressure, remain focused, and continue building while under stress. Healthy paranoia can catapult a leader forward, but only if their internal system can keep pace. Without that foundation, paranoia doesn't sharpen leaders' performance. Instead, it erodes it. Why Healthy Paranoia Is A Leadership Advantage Perspective shapes leadership. Reality exists independently, but our responses to it depend entirely on how we interpret it. For some, fear triggers contraction and defensiveness. For others, it sparks expansion and proactive adaptation. Healthy paranoia, when embraced strategically, becomes an essential asset for leaders, providing more mental acuity, urgency, and vigilance against complacency, while demanding the durability necessary to excel consistently at the highest levels.
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
12,000 pounds of organic blueberries recalled over Listeria risk — here's what to know
The frozen berries were shipped to a single customer in North Carolina, but the FDA has issued its highest-level health warning. A frozen fruit recall is drawing national attention, but it all comes down to one state. North Carolina is the only area affected by a new FDA blueberry recall, after a batch of frozen organic fruit tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes during finished product testing. The fruit came from Alma Pak International, a Georgia-based supplier, and was shipped on or before June 9, 2025, to a single commercial customer. The FDA has since elevated the recall to Class I — the agency's highest risk category for products that pose a serious health threat if consumed. What's the Recall? Here are the details of the recall so that you can check for affected product in foodservice settings or repackaged goods. Alma Pak Organic Blueberries (frozen) Shipped in 30-pound bulk boxes Lot numbers: 13325 G1060 and 13325 G1096 The recalled blueberries were shipped to a single commercial customer in North Carolina. The FDA has not issued a consumer-facing press release, and the buyer has not been named. These berries were not sold directly to consumers, but could potentially have been used in food service, commercial baking, or other large-batch applications. No other Alma Pak products or lots are included in this recall. Why This Recall Matters Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogens, and frozen fruit, while often considered lower risk, has been the source of several high-profile recalls in recent years. Unlike many other bacteria, Listeria can survive freezing temperatures, meaning contaminated fruit remains hazardous even straight from the freezer. While most healthy individuals may experience only mild symptoms, Listeria infections can be life-threatening for pregnant people, newborns, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. This recall is especially concerning because the blueberries were shipped in bulk, unlabeled boxes. While there's no confirmed evidence the product reached consumers, it's possible the fruit was used in prepared foods like baked goods, smoothies, or frozen blends sold regionally. The Class I designation is not limited to E. coli or meat contamination. It applies to any situation where the FDA sees a 'reasonable probability' that exposure could cause serious illness, including Listeria, undeclared allergens, and other high-risk threats. What to Do If you operate a foodservice business or grocery in North Carolina, check with your distributor to determine whether the affected lot codes were received. The FDA recommends discarding any impacted product and thoroughly sanitizing any prep surfaces, containers, or equipment that may have come into contact with the berries. If you're a consumer who recently bought bulk or repackaged organic frozen blueberries, especially from a small grocer, farmers market, or co-op, ask whether they source fruit from Alma Pak. If you're not sure, it's safest to throw it out. Even frozen fruit isn't immune from contamination. A Class I recall means the risk is real and worth taking seriously, even in just one state. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Veteran Inventor Announces New Air Purification System That Splits CO₂, Produces Oxygen, and May Support Health and Ozone Recovery
Veteran-led innovation introduces a multi-functional air filter system using Conducted Direct Current (CDC) to address environmental and wellness concerns Seminole, FLORIDA , July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clean Air Electric Filter announces the launch of its Conducted Direct Current (CDC) air purification system, a technology developed over 12 years by disabled American veteran Gal Joe Nahum. The system is designed to split carbon dioxide (CO₂) into carbon and oxygen, generate ozone through negative ions, and may offer additional wellness benefits, including support for nutrient absorption. Gal Joe Nahum Photo The CDC filtration system works by passing direct current through the air, targeting CO₂ molecules. As the air flows through the unit, the current splits the carbon from the oxygen atoms. Carbon is internally collected, and purified oxygen is released, contributing to cleaner indoor and outdoor environments. A unique feature of this system is its generation of negative ions (–ions). These ions are naturally found in environments like waterfalls, where the friction of water hitting air produces a charge. 'Negative ions bind to positively charged particles, such as dust and pollutants, pulling them to the ground and purifying the air,' said Gal Joe. Nahum. 'If they reach the upper atmosphere, they may convert into ozone. Given the ozone depletion over Antarctica, restoring this layer is a priority for global health.' Beyond air purification, Gal Joe Nahum suggests the CDC technology may also have future use in health and wellness. 'There is a theory that this technology could assist the body in absorbing essential nutrients like vitamin D and calcium, potentially benefiting bones, nails, and teeth,' he noted. While this aspect remains under exploration, the concept reflects Nahum's commitment to broader applications for public benefit. The system is also being paired with a renewable energy source. Nahum is developing a transformer that harvests atmospheric energy, such as lightning and thunder, and converts it into direct current, allowing the filtration system to operate sustainably off-grid. Gal Joe Nahum, who served during the Desert Storm conflict, has dedicated over a decade of his life to the development of this technology. However, his efforts have not always been met with support. 'I came to NASA with this technology in good faith, hoping to collaborate,' he said. 'But I was dismissed simply because I wasn't part of the system. They forgot that some of the greatest innovators, like the Wright brothers, didn't have formal credentials. Without them, NASA wouldn't even exist.' His work is also chronicled in his book, which explores his scientific innovations and space-related concepts. Learn more at Gal Joe Nahum Clean Air Electric Filter galnahum1971@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
