A disturbing rise in infections caused by the rare flesh-eating bacterium known as Vibrio vulnificus has been reported in Florida, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals this year, according to the state’s health department. This alarming situation has unfolded primarily across central Florida’s coastal regions, including Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, and St. Johns counties, areas well-known for their appeal to tourists and local communities alike.
The Florida Health Department has confirmed at least 11 cases of Vibrio vulnificus infections in recent months. Dr. Daniel Egan, an infectious disease specialist at Orlando Health, emphasized the environmental factors that contribute to the presence of this bacterium. “There’s a lot of bacteria that just live in different areas, even in waterborne spots,” he explained. “This bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus likes salt water.”
While Vibrio vulnificus infections are relatively rare, with approximately 150 to 200 cases reported annually to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the consequences can be devastating. The bacterium is notorious for causing necrotizing fasciitis, an aggressive infection that results in the death of tissue around an open wound. Many individuals who contract this infection require intensive medical care, and in severe cases, may face limb amputation. The overall fatality rate associated with Vibrio vulnificus infections stands at 20 percent, soaring to 50 percent if the infection enters the bloodstream. Tragically, death can occur within just two days of the onset of symptoms.
Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacterium that thrives in warm, coastal saltwater and brackish environments. Experts are increasingly concerned about the potential for this bacterium to spread to previously unaffected areas as global temperatures continue to rise. The bacteria are typically most active between May and October, coinciding with the warmest water temperatures.
The symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus infection include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, elevated heart rate, and disorientation. While healthy individuals often recover, those with pre-existing conditions or weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, face significantly higher risks.
In recent years, the incidence of Vibrio vulnificus infections has surged, reaching a record high in 2024. The CDC reported 19 deaths and 82 infections, nearly doubling the figures from 2023. This spike has been linked to an unusually high number of late-season hurricanes impacting Florida and the southeastern United States.
Following Hurricanes Milton and Helene, cases doubled as floodwaters pushed warm saltwater further inland than usual, consequently increasing exposure among the population. Dr. Kami Kim, the director of infectious disease at Tampa General Hospital, noted, “There are people running around, lifting, moving stuff that normally they wouldn’t do, so the probability of getting that cut or exposure is higher.”
Climate change is anticipated to exacerbate the spread of Vibrio vulnificus infections, as warmer oceans contribute to stronger storms and prolonged hurricane seasons. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the economic cost associated with infections from salt-reliant bacteria like Vibrio vulnificus could escalate to $6.1 billion annually by 2090, a significant increase from $2.6 billion in 1995.
As Florida navigates this public health challenge, awareness and preventive measures are vital to mitigate the risks associated with Vibrio vulnificus infections and protect vulnerable populations.
