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topicnews · July 18, 2025

Rare “carnivorous” bacteria kill 4 people in Florida: what to know to know

Rare “carnivorous” bacteria kill 4 people in Florida: what to know to know


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Florida health officers reported that four people died and that over half a dozen others became sick this year due to rare “carnivorous” bacteria.

Vibrio Vulnificus, which occurs in salt water, brackish water and in contaminated raw or subconceptic seafood, led to four deaths in four counties across the state and made at least seven people ill, the Ministry of Health announced on July 11.

The infection from the bacteria is rare, with an average of 150 to 200 cases being reported to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) every year. Cases are most often reported in the golf coast states, although research has shown that they hike north when climate change promotes warmer oceans.

Most healthy people who are exposed to the bacteria have only slight symptoms. For some, however, the bacteria can be fatal – especially if it gets into the bloodstream or meat kills an open wound. According to the CDC, about one of five people dies from the infection, sometimes sick within one to two days. Others may need surgery or even amputation according to their exposure.

Here is what you should know about Vibrio Vulnificus:

Where is Vibrio Vulnificus?

Vibrio are bacteria that live in coastal waters all year round. Vibrio Vulnificus needs a salt water to live and spread, although it can thrive in brackish water, where a stream or river hits sea water.

Most infections occur when people swallow contaminated water or get it into an open wound. Another source of infection is contaminated raw or low -cooked seafood, especially shellfish like oysters.

In Florida, which leads the nation at Vibrio -Vulnificus infections, spikes in cases and deaths correspond to great hurricanes when the sea water is brought ashore, which triggers floods and initiates sea water in freshwater sources.

Between 2016 and 2024, an average of 48 cases of Vibrio Vulnificus and around 11 deaths were reported in Florida. When the hurricane Ian piled up municipalities along the southwest coast in 2022, there were 74 reported cases and 17 deaths. Last year, the state recorded 82 cases and 19 deaths – a health officer of Surge who was bound to two harmful hurricanes, Helene and Milton.

Why is it called “carnivorous bacteria”?

Vibrio Vulnificus kills, but does not eat tissue. The bacteria cannot penetrate with intact skin, but can penetrate through an existing break.

If the bacteria get into the body through a cut, scratch or a wound, this can lead to necrotizing fasciitis and the meat can die around the infection site.

According to the CDC, those who are infected by wounds must require larger operation or amputations of the limbs.

What are the symptoms of Vibrio Vulnificus?

Frequent symptoms of a Vibrio -Vulnificus infection are diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever according to CDC.

If open wounds of contaminated salt or brackish water are exposed to, Vibrio Vulnificus can cause discoloration, swelling, skin breakdown and ulcers. The bacteria can also penetrate into the bloodstream and threaten serious and life -threatening diseases such as septic shock, especially for those with existing diseases.

“Vibrio Vulnificus bloodstream infections are fatal in about 50 percent of cases,” said Florida's Ministry of Health.

How to avoid Vibrio Vulnificus

Below are some tips to avoid Vibrio Vulnificus, according to the Florida Ministry of Health and the CDC.

  • Keep out of salt water and brackish water when you have an open wound or cut. When you get a cut while you are in the water, leave the water immediately.
  • If your open wounds and cuts could come into contact with salt water, brackish water or raw or boiled seafood, cover them with a waterproof bandage.
  • Cook the shellfish (oysters, mussels, mussels) thoroughly.
  • Avoid the cross contamination of cooked seafood and other foods with raw seafood and juices from raw seafood.
  • Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw shellfish.
  • Search immediately for medical help for infected wounds.

Contribute: Natalie Neysa AlundPresent Thao Nguyen, Gabe Haarari and Mike Snider, USA Today; CA Bridges, USA Today Network – Florida

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