TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Department of Health reported the first “flesh-eating” bacteria death of the year on Thursday.
The FDOH’s website showed there have been 11 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus this year.
Florida ranks #5 for U.S. measles cases in 2026: CDC Report
The latest update from health officials showed one death in Palm Beach County.
Here’s a look at where cases have been reported in Florida this year:
County
Number of cases reported
Hillsborough
1
Lee
2
Marion
1
Miami-Dade
2
Okaloosa
1
Palm Beach
2
Polk
1
St. Johns
1
Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacterium in warm, brackish seawater. The FDOH said most people get it by eating raw or undercooked shellfish, particularly oysters.
People with open wounds can also be exposed to Vibrio vulnificus through direct contact with seawater.
“Healthy individuals typically develop a mild disease; however Vibrio vulnificus infections can be a serious concern for people who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with chronic liver disease,” the FDOH said.
If the bacteria invade the bloodstream, it can cause a severe and life-threatening illness with symptoms like fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock) and blistering skin lesions, health officials said. Bloodstream infections are fatal about 50% of the time.
FDOH said a severe Vibrio vulnificus infection can require intensive care or limb amputations.
Here is a look at the symptoms, according to FDOH.
General infection
Bloodstream infection
Wound infection
Watery diarrhea
Fever
Fever
Stomach cramps
Chills
Redness
Nausea
Dangerously low blood pressure
Pain
Vomiting
Blistering skin lesions
Swelling
Fever
Warmth
Chills
Discoloration (turning a color other than normal)
Discharge (leaking fluids)
To learn more, visit the Florida Department of Health’s website.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.