Florida Water Contamination: Decline in Vibrio Bacterial Cases Do Not Diminish Risks

In Florida, there have been four confirmed fatalities in 2025 due to Vibrio vulnificus, a rare but dangerous bacterium that thrives in warm, brackish seawater. According to state health officials, there have been a total of 11 cases this year, marking a decrease from the peak of 82 cases and 19 deaths in 2024, a surge linked to Hurricane Helene's impact on water conditions.

Since 2016, Florida has experienced a total of 448 Vibrio vulnificus cases resulting in approximately 100 deaths. The recent fatalities have been reported across Bay, Broward, Hillsborough, and St. Johns counties, with additional cases identified in Duval, Escambia, Lee, Manatee, Santa Rosa, and Walton counties, including a second case in St. Johns.

Vibrio vulnificus infections, though relatively uncommon, pose significant health risks, especially to individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about 80,000 Vibrio cases and 100 related deaths annually across the United States.

Transmission occurs mainly through consuming raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters, or through contact with seawater when open wounds are exposed. There is no evidence suggesting person-to-person transmission. Diagnosis involves cultures of stool, wound, or blood samples, with labs needing to be notified in advance to use the appropriate media.

Symptoms include watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and skin infections, which can escalate to tissue damage, ulcers, and bloodstream infections in severe cases. The infection can cause gastrointestinal illness, wound infections leading to tissue destruction, and potentially fatal bloodstream infections presenting with fever, chills, and low blood pressure.

Preventive measures emphasize avoiding raw oysters and shellfish, cooking seafood thoroughly, preventing cross-contamination, covering open wounds, and using gloves when handling seafood. Prompt antibiotic treatment and attentive wound care are essential for those infected; in severe instances, amputation may be required.

While the number of cases has declined this year, health officials warn that the bacterial threat remains present, especially during warmer months when water temperatures favor bacterial growth.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-deadly-flesh-bacteria-florida-vibrio.html